The Fundamentals of Reduction of UO22+Ions on a Pt Electrode and Methods for Improving Reduction Current Efficiency

Abstract

This review article considered the electrochemical reduction of uranyl ions on a Pt surface. Specifically, we focussed on the improvement in its reduction current efficiency. First, this article briefly explained the fundamentals of the reduction of uranyl (<TEX>$UO_2^{2+}$</TEX>) ions on a Pt surface. Namely, they involved the electrochemical behaviour of uranium species, and electrochemical cell configurations for the reduction of <TEX>$UO_2^{2+}$</TEX> ions. In addition, the effects of adsorbed hydrogen atoms were investigated on the reduction of <TEX>$UO_2^{2+}$</TEX> ions. Finally, this article presented the methods for improving current efficiency of the reduction of <TEX>$UO_2^{2+}$</TEX> ions on a Pt surface. Three different kinds of methods are introduced, which include electrochemical surface treatments of Pt electrode involving hydrogenation and anodisation, the use of catalyst poisons, and formation of thin mercury film on a Pt electrode. Moreover, this article provided some clues about how hydrogenation and catalyst poisons work on the reduction of <TEX>$UO_2^{2+}$</TEX> ions.