Work

Studies on the conversion of uranium-containing pyrochemical salt waste into metallic uranium by direct oxide electrochemical reduction

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The study aims to establish a method for converting uranium-containing pyrochemical salt waste matrix into metallic uranium using a direct oxide electrochemical reduction method. Initially, the uranium-containing salt matrix was treated with aqueous ammonia to precipitate uranium as ammonium diuranate (ADU). The main impurities found in the ADU were cadmium and copper. However, their levels were below 2 wt%. Subsequently, ADU was converted into UO 2 through calcination and reduction steps. The direct oxide electrochemical reduction of UO 2 was performed in a LiCl-Li 2 O melt at 650 °C, with platinum serving as the anode. Two batches of impure ADU were processed for the conversion into metallic uranium. Despite the low impurity levels, their presence affected the process, resulting in brownish-black deposits during calcination steps and a black residue in the LiCl-Li 2 O melt after electrochemical reduction. To address this issue, ADU was purified using a solvent extraction method, which resulted in a cleaner process.

Source: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry

DOI: 10.1007/s10967-025-10226-8

Authors: L. Shakila, V. Arunkumar, N. Sanil, K. Suriyakumari, R. Kumaresan, Suddhasattwa Ghosh

Institutions: Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Homi Bhabha National Institute

Language: English

Topic: Molten salt chemistry and electrochemical processes

Subfield: Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,790

Funder: Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research