Journal article
Mechanochemical oxidation and dissolution of uranium oxide phases: Implications for nuclear material processing
Journal of nuclear materials, Vol.617, 156142
11/2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.jnucmat.2025.156142
Abstract
Mechanochemical synthetic methods are often highlighted as efficient, low-waste, and low-temperature processes, and they could improve the sustainability of current spent nuclear fuel recycling methods. In the present study, we offer an in-depth analysis of the mechanochemical oxidations of UO2 and U3O8 with Na2O2/H2O2 and Na2CO3/H2O2 for use in spent nuclear fuel recycling schemes. Solid-state and solution characterization of the mechanochemical products indicates the formation of water-soluble U(VI) triperoxide and peroxocarbonate products in >85 % yields. We show that uranium can be recovered from the resulting aqueous solutions of the mechanochemical triperoxide and peroxocarbonate products via aging or acidification to form uranyl oxyhydroxide or uranyl peroxide hydrates. An evaluation of the efficiency of the milling experiments shows that the oxidation reactions are enhanced by mechanical processing but may not be mechanically driven. Addition of select fission analogues suggests that fission product partitioning will be similar to that reported for the CARBEX process.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Mechanochemical oxidation and dissolution of uranium oxide phases: Implications for nuclear material processing
- Creators
- Emma L. Markun - University of IowaAsher B. Motes - University of IowaTori Z. Forbes - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of nuclear materials, Vol.617, 156142
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jnucmat.2025.156142
- ISSN
- 0022-3115
- eISSN
- 1873-4820
- Publisher
- ELSEVIER
- Grant note
- University of Iowa WitteUniversity of Iowa Graduate College Post-Comprehensive Research Fellowship (ELM)University of Iowa Materials Analysis, Testing
The authors would like to acknowledge funding support provided by the University of Iowa Witte Funding for purchase of the ball mill and the University of Iowa Graduate College Post-Comprehensive Research Fellowship (ELM) . We also thank the University of Iowa Materials Analysis, Testing, and Fabrication Facility and staff for support with the powder X-ray diffraction and ICP analysis.
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 09/02/2025
- Date published
- 11/2025
- Academic Unit
- Civil and Environmental Engineering; Core Research Facilities; Chemistry
- Record Identifier
- 9984958290602771
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