Work

Quantitative Voltammetry Measurements of High-Concentration Actinides in Molten Chloride Fuel Salts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Molten chloride mixtures containing high concentrations of UCl3 (i.e., >70 wt%) are candidates for next-generation molten salt reactor (MSR) fuel salts that enable new plant optimization and fuel cycle strategies. MSR licensing, however, is contingent on the development of effective material control and accounting (MC&A) practices for these salts. To close this gap, we have developed an electroanalytical approach that enables accurate in situ measurements of uranium concentrations in these highly loaded fuel salts. This methodology uses a multielectrode array voltammetry sensor combined with digital simulations that account for non-idealities such as uncompensated resistance effects. The theory-based numerical simulations of voltammetry responses yielded correction factors that are agnostic of electrochemical cell geometry and produced consistent voltammetry peak current results when correcting for varying amounts of ohmic resistance. In doing so, we have demonstrated accurate concentration measurements for UCl3 in LiCl-KCl-UCl3 across a range of mass fractions between 55 and 72.3 wt% at 550 °C.

Source: Journal of The Electrochemical Society

DOI: 10.1149/1945-7111/ae0d01

Authors: William H. Doniger, Nora A. Shaheen, Matthew Jubinsky, Nathaniel C. Hoyt

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: $1,950

Funder: Office of Nuclear Energy

Award: G812432097