TiN Anode for Electrolytic Reduction of UO2 in Pyroprocessing

Abstract

Developing novel anode materials to replace the Pt anode currently used in electrolytic reduction is an important issue on pyroprocessing. In this study, the electrochemical behavior of TiN was investigated as the conductive ceramic anode which evolves O2 gas during the reaction. The feasibility and stability of the TiN anode was examined during the electrolytic reduction of UO2. The TiN anode could electrochemically convert UO2 to metallic U in a LiCl–Li2O molten salt electrolyte. No oxidation of TiN was observed during the reaction; however, the formation of voids in the bulk section appeared to limit the lifetime of the TiN anode.