The anodic dissolution of uranium dioxide—I in perchlorate solutions

Abstract

The anodic dissolution of uranium dioxide in perchlorate solution has been studied. Steady-state and potentiostatic and cyclic voltammetric measurements have been shown to be consistent with a mechanism that involves successive electron-transfer reactions. The presence of insulating uranium (VI) films on the surface at high anodic potentials has been confirmed by measurements with ring-disc electrodes. A comparative study of the behaviour of several samples of differing stoichiometry, crystallinity and porosity has revealed the existence of considerable solid-state effects, the origin of which is not clear.