Electrochemical behavior of a platinum anode for reduction of uranium oxide in a LiCl molten salt

The electrochemical behavior of a platinum anode has been investigated during the electrolysis of uranium oxide in a LiCl molten salt. Pt is oxidized to pt(2+) at 2.6V (vs. Li-Pb reference electrode) in the absence of O(2-) ion. The platinum dissolution takes place at a more anodic potential with an increase of O(2-) ion. Although the main anodic process in the electrolysis is the oxygen evolution by oxidation of O(2-) ion at a higher concentration of Li(2)O, a thin film due to the formation of Li(2)PtO(3) was coated on the anode surface. The platinum dissolution proceeds with an intergranular corrosion-like behavior at a low concentration of Li(2)O. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.