Electrode reaction of the Np/Np couple at liquid Cd and Bi electrodes in LiCl-KCl eutectic melts

Shirai, Osamu; Uozumi, Koichi*; Iwai, Takashi; Arai, Yasuo

The electrode reactions of the Np/Np couple at liquid Cd and Bi electrodes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry at 723, 773 and 823 K in LiCl-KCl eutectic melt. It was found that the diffusion of Np in the salt phase was a rate-determining step in the cathodic reaction when the concentration of NpCl was less than about 1 wt.% and the liquid Cd or Bi phase was not saturated with Np. The redox potentials of the Np/Np couple at liquid Cd electrode at 723, 773 and 823 K were observed more positively than those at Mo electrode by 0.158, 0.140 and 0.126 V, respectively. The potential shift would result from a lowering of activity of Np in Cd phase according to the alloy formation of NpCd at 723 K and NpCd at 773 and 823 K. The redox potentials of the Np/Np couple at liquid Bi electrode at 723, 773 and 823 K were more positive than those at Mo electrode by 0.427, 0.419 and 0.410 V, respectively, which would be attributable to a lowering of activity of Np in Bi phase according to the formation of NpBi.