Experimental observations of a thoria oxide-ion sensor in a molten salt system.
A uranium oxide reduction process under development at Argonne National Laboratory utilizes a Li/LiCl-based system at 650 C. When UO{sub 2} is introduced to this system, the lithium metal reduces UO{sub 2} to metallic uranium and generates Li{sub 2}O. A ThO{sub 2} solid electrolyte was selected and tested as an oxide-ion sensor to monitor the concentration of Li{sub 2}O in the molten LiCl during the uranium reduction process. Experimental results indicated that a ThO{sub 2} probe doped with 7.5 wt % Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} was effective at real-time monitoring of the oxide ion resulting from incremental additions of Li{sub 2}O to the Li/LiCl-based system. The experimental results also indicated that the activity and activity coefficient of Li{sub 2}O in molten LiCl at 650 C are consistent with Raoult's law.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- NE; EM
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-06CH11357
- OSTI ID:
- 949689
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/ENT/JA-43326
- Journal Information:
- J. Electrochem. Soc., Journal Name: J. Electrochem. Soc. Journal Issue: 2 ; Feb. 2002 Vol. 149; ISSN JESOAN; ISSN 0013-4651
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- ENGLISH
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