The influence of potential on the anodic dissolution of SIMFUEL (UO2)

The influence of potential on the anodic dissolution of SIMFUEL (doped uranium dioxide) has been characterized over the range 0–500 mV (versus SCE). Cathodic stripping voltammetry was used to determine the changes in surface reactivity of UO2 in neutral solutions after different anodic oxidation timescales. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to view the damage to the SIMFUEL electrode surface which was minimal at E < 200 mV but present as local pits and eroded grains after oxidation at higher potentials. Long-term anodic oxidation at potentials below 200 mV suggests that local acidification can develop within surface asperities in the fuel and pores in corrosion product deposits accumulated on the electrode surface.