Mechanism of Oxidation and Dissolution of CANDU Fuel Oxidation

Abstract

A combined electrochemical-spectroscopic approach has yielded a detailed chemical picture of the UO₂ dis solution process. The techniques employed are described briefly, and examples of the data obtained are presented. The anodic dissolution mechanism of UO₂ is summarized schematically and on are dox scale.

A brief discussion of the impact of dissolved oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and radiolytically decomposed water is included. The results presented show that all three oxidants drive the corrosion potential beyond the dissolution threshold.