Thermodynamic properties of La–Ga–Al and U–Ga–Al alloys and the separation factor of U/La couple in the molten salt–liquid metal system

Abstract

The electrochemical behaviour of lanthanum and uranium was studied in fused 3LiCl–2KCl eutectic and Ga–Al eutectic liquid metal alloy between 723 and 823 K. Electrode potentials were recorded vs. Cl−/Cl2 reference electrode and the temperature dependencies of the apparent standard potentials of La-(Ga–Al) and U-(Ga–Al) alloys were determined. Lanthanum and uranium activity coefficients and U/La couple separation factor were calculated. Partial excess free Gibbs energy, partial enthalpy of mixing and partial excess entropy of La-(Ga–Al) and U-(Ga–Al) alloys were estimated.