Title: Preparation and characterisation of Pd nanoparticles doped UO₂ samples

Authors: A. Espriu-Gascon; J. Bastos-Arrieta; J. Giménez; I. Casas; J. De Pablo

Addresses: Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Av. Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ' Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Av. Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ' Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Av. Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ' Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Av. Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ' Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Av. Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Fundació CTM Centre Tecnològic, Plaça de la Ciència 2, 08240 Manresa, Spain

Abstract: To assess the safety of the deep geological disposal that would store the spent nuclear fuel (SNF), studies are centred on the SNF behaviour under repository conditions. UO₂, which is the most common compound of SNF matrix, is highly sensitive to the redox potential and it could be oxidised to more soluble phases, enhancing the liberation of harmful radionuclides. Among fission products in the SNF, ε-particles (nanoparticles) are believed to play an important role avoiding the oxidation. Consequently, scientists are testing efficient and low cost methodologies for the preparation of novel materials by incorporation of nanoparticles into bulk components. In this communication we present the methodology for preparation of non-irradiated UO₂ doped with Pd Nanoparticles (Pd-NPs), as an analogue of ε-particles present in the SNF. Pd-NPs doped UO₂ samples were characterised by high resolution electron microscopy to identify the presence, the morphology and distribution of the nanoparticles.

Keywords: uranium oxide; palladium nanoparticles; nanotechnology; spent nuclear fuel; SNF; sample characterisation; UO2; geological disposal; nuclear fuel storage; nuclear energy; nuclear power; redox potential; radionuclides; oxidation; radioactive waste; waste disposal; waste storage.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2016.079665

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2016 Vol.13 No.8/9, pp.627 - 633

Published online: 07 Oct 2016 *

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