Fission products Sr and Ba in actinide (U, Th) chloride systems: Thermodynamic modelling, experimental investigation and application calculations
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In this study, new insights into the solid state chemistry and melting behaviour of the system are presented, building on results in the simulant system . Our studies have revealed the solubility of U in the high-temperature β -phase of BaCl 2 ( i.e ) and an intermediate compound, Ba 3 U 2 Cl 12 , which has led us to revisit or present for the first time the phase diagrams of this system accordingly. Furthermore, we present revised thermodynamic models for the systems , , and (AE = Sr, Ba) based on existing literature data. With the constructed multi-component database , the effect of fission products on the melting behaviour of molten chloride salts containing uranium and thorium is investigated through higher order phase equilibria calculations. • Thermochemistry of the BaCl 2 -UCl 3 system has been elucidated and exhibits very similar behaviour to that of BaCl 2 -CeCl 3 . • With targeted experiments based on simulant chemistry, molten salt systems with actinides can be evaluated in a quick and safe manner. • The intermediate compound Ba 3 U 2 Cl 12 has been proven to exist. • Fission product behaviour in (U,Th) molten chloride fuels shows the potential for precipitation of the fissile material through the formation of Ba 3 U 2 Cl 12
Source: Nuclear Materials and Energy
Authors: Dennis C. Alders, Max J.A. IJszenga, Nick T.H. ter Veer, Elisa Capelli, Rudy J.M. Konings, Anna L. Smith
Institution: Delft University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes
Field: Chemical Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,190
OpenAlex ID: W7156353190