Preparation of the intermetallic compound PuPd3 and its electrochemical properties in the 3LiCl–2KCl salt eutectic

Abstract

The intermetallic compound (IMC) PuPd3 was synthesized by induction fusion of the components in a vacuum. The phase composition of the compound was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. SEM analysis revealed the presence in the sample obtained of three metastable PuPdx phases (2.3 < x < 4.4) differing in the extent of enrichment in Pu. Data on the electrochemical properties of PuPd3 in the 3LiCl–2KCl salt eutectic were obtained for the first time. Three main peaks of anodic oxidation are observed in the cyclic voltammogram of PuPd3 at potentials of–1.74,–1.24, and–0.09 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). At potentials exceeding +0.6 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), PuPd3 passes into the transpassive state. At lower potentials, anodic oxidation of IMC leads to the Pu dissolution in the form of Pu(III), but the simultaneously oxidized Pd is reduced on the electrode, which results in the enrichment of its surface in Pd.