XPS topical report

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Abstract

This report presents the results of the surface analysis by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) performed on UO2 pellets after leaching in synthetic cementitious waters in the context of the dissolution experiments realized during the period 2009-2014 and described in the report SCK•CEN-ER-231. According to the analysis of a UO2 reference sample, traces of calcium, sodium and potassium are found in the initial materials. Contamination with adventitious carbon cannot be avoided whatever precaution taken during the preparation of the sample. The analyses of the leached samples lead to the conclusion that the surface of the UO2 pellets is partially covered by a thin oxidized layer. However, the very low amount of oxidized uranium indicates that formation of uranium secondary phases is very limited.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherSCK CEN
Number of pages54
StatePublished - 1 Jul 2016

Publication series

NameSCK•CEN Reports
PublisherStudiecentrum voor Kernenergie
No.SCK•CEN ER-0330

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