ACTINIDE PRODUCTION

摘要

The invention provides a process for reducing to metallic form oxides of uranium, or metals more noble than uranium, present in spent nuclear fuel comprising a mixture of metal oxides, the process comprising cathodically electrolysing the oxide in the presence of a molten salt electrolyte, the potential of the cathode being controlled so as to favour oxygen ionisation over deposition of the metal from the cations present in the molten salt, and to ensure than reduction of metals other than uranium or metals more noble than uranium does not occur. The invention allows for the reduction of uranium or metals more than uranium present in spent nuclear fuel comprising mixed metal oxides to a metallic form by the use of a single electrochemical process, with oxygen being produced as the only by-product.