| Abstract Scope |
In the pyroprocessing of used nuclear fuel (UNF), uranium dioxide is electrochemically reduced in the oxide reduction step. The choice of anode material is critical to the efficiency and durability of the process. These materials must exhibit excellent electrochemical stability, minimal dissolution or degradation, and compatibility with both the electrolyte and the fission product environment to ensure long-term functionality and minimize contamination of the electrolyte and cathode products. While platinum is the anode chosen in the current design, it is not completely inert and the search for reasonable cost, structurally stable anode is still ongoing. This talk will present the progression of various anode materials, from pure metals to alloys and ceramics, and monolithic materials to coatings that have been evaluated and present the results from a low-cost alloy that have been developed. This work was supported by DOE grant DE-AR0001697. |