XPS and XRD studies of samples from the natural fission reactors in the Oklo uranium deposits
Conference
·
OSTI ID:47906
- Whiteshell Research Labs., Manitoba (Canada)
Mineral samples from the natural fission reactors 10 and 13 in the Oklo uranium deposits were studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to gain information about the long-term behaviour of UO{sub 2} fuel in a geological disposal vault. Two samples from reactor zone 10 (samples No. D81N-190292 and D73-88) and one sample from reactor zone 13 (sample No. SD37-S2/CD) were analysed. Low-resolution XPS spectra were recorded to determine the major elements present in the ore. High-resolution spectra were recorded to gain information about the chemical state of the elements present in the mineral samples. The samples show low values for the U{sup 6+}/U{sup 4+} ratio. The oxidation state of uranium in these samples is even lower than that in U{sub 4}O{sub 9}.The binding energies of the Pb 4f bands indicate most of the Pb is in the +2 oxidation state in these samples. The C ls band indicates the presence of organic carbon. XRD analysis shows that the main uranium-bearing phase is uraninite and lead is present mainly as galena. The significance of the results for nuclear fuel waste management is discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 47906
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-931108--Vol.333
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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