Dissolution kinetics of U{sub 3}Si{sub 2} particles in alkaline hydrogen peroxide
- Argonne National Lab., IL (United States). Chemical Technology Div.
Nonproliferation concerns leading to the conversion from high- to low-enriched uranium sparked interest in U{sub 3}Si{sub 2} dispersion targets as an option for {sup 99}Mo production. Dissolution of irradiated targets is an important step in recovering fission-product {sup 99}Mo. Alkaline hydrogen peroxide solutions dissolved U{sub 3}Si{sub 2} particles in an open batch reactor; samples were analyzed for total peroxide and uranium concentrations as functions of time and temperature. Dissolution rates are highest at 1 to 1.5 M NaOH and change little for initial base concentrations from 0.5 to 2.5 M NaOH, indicating relatively robust process conditions. Uranium dissolution rates depend most strongly on the equilibrium concentration of the peroxyl ion (O{sub 2}H{sup {minus}}), an equilibrium product of hydrogen peroxide (H{sub 2}O{sub 2}) and hydroxyl ion (OH{sup {minus}}). Temperature and equilibrium concentrations of O{sub 2}H{sup {minus}} and OH{sup {minus}} are included in a uranium dissolution rate model.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 500916
- Journal Information:
- Nuclear Technology, Journal Name: Nuclear Technology Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 118; ISSN 0029-5450; ISSN NUTYBB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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