The role of fission products (noble metal particles) in spent fuel corrosion process in a failed container

Abstract

The corrosion/dissolution of simulated spent fuel has been studied electrochemically. Fission products within the UO₂ matrix are found to have significant effect on the anodic dissolution behaviour of the fuel. It is observed that H₂O₂ oxidation is accelerated on the surfaces of doped noble metal (ε) particles existing in the fuel matrix. It is concluded that H₂O₂ decomposition rather than UO₂ corrosion should be the dominant reaction under high H₂O₂ concentrations.