Electrolytic Reduction of Spent Nuclear Oxide Fuel as Part of an Integral Process to Separate and Recover Actinides from Fission Products

Abstract

Abstract Bench‐scale tests were performed to study an electrolytic reduction process that converts metal oxides in spent nuclear fuel to metal. Crushed spent oxide fuel was loaded into a permeable stainless steel basket and submerged in a molten salt electrolyte of LiCl–1 wt% Li2O at 650°C. An electrical current was passed through the fuel basket and a submerged platinum wire, effecting the reduction of metal oxides in the fuel and the formation of oxygen gas on the platinum wire surface. Salt and fuel samples were analyzed, and the extent of fission product separation and metal oxide reduction was determined.