| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2024 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Materials and Chemistry for Molten Salt Systems
|
| Presentation Title |
Reaction of Uranium Metal with NH4Cl Molten LiCl-KCl |
| Author(s) |
Nathan Rood, Krista Carlson, Michael F. Simpson |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Nathan Rood |
| Abstract Scope |
Solid NH4Cl is known to thermally decompose into NH3 and HCl gases. Since uranium metal reacts with HCl gas to form UCl3, NH4Cl could be a convenient reactant for chlorinating uranium for electrorefiners and molten salt reactors. Directly infusing UCl3 in the salt would minimize remote handling. LiCl-KCl in an electrorefiner is maintained at 450-500oC. We observed decomposition of NH4Cl starting at 200oC. This presents a challenge for achieving sufficient residence time. We report HCl generation from decomposing NH4Cl in a stream of argon while heated to 325oC. Uranium was immersed in the salt, while vapor was bubbled into it. Formation of soluble U was measured via analysis of salt samples. Cyclic voltammetry scans were made in-situ in the salt, allowing monitoring of the U oxidation state. UCl4 forms in the salt when there is excess HCl, while excess U is effective at keeping the dissolved uranium as U(III). |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Pyrometallurgy, Nuclear Materials, |