The Evaluation of Polarized Dynamic Reference Electrode (p-Dyn RE) for LiCl-1 wt% Li2O Molten Salt at 650°C: Li+/Li p-Dyn RE versus O2/O2− p-Dyn RE

Abstract

We evaluate a Li+/Li polarized dynamic reference electrode (p-Dyn RE) and an O2/O2− p-Dyn RE for 650°C LiCl-1 wt% Li2O molten salt. These Dyn REs are non-equilibrium, polarized reference electrodes whose potential deviates from their standard reduction potential by the overpotential for the continuous current flow on the reference electrode. The potential dependency of the Li+/Li and O2/O2− p-Dyn REs on the applied current was examined in comparison with the theoretical behavior. While the Li+/Li p-Dyn RE exhibited potential instability due to the surface change on the Li-generating electrode, the O2/O2− p-Dyn RE showed the reliable stability and it could be successfully employed in the LiCl-1 wt% Li2O molten salt electrochemical cell for UO2 reduction.