Anodic behaviour of a metallic U–Pu–Zr alloy during electrorefining process

Electrorefining tests of the non-irradiated U–Pu–Zr alloy were performed in LiCl–KCl–UCl3–PuCl3–ZrCl4 melts at 773 K, aiming at reduced Zr dissolution. The tests were carried out both using potentiostatic electrolysis at −1.0 V (vs. Ag+/Ag), i.e. at a more negative potential than the Zr dissolution potential, and galvanostatic electrolysis with a limited amount of Zr dissolution. The ICP–AES analysis of the anode residues confirmed that a high dissolution yield of actinides (U: >99.6%, Pu: 99.9%) was successfully demonstrated for both electrolyses.