Radiation-induced dissolution of uranium oxide materials in water

Kumagai, Yuta   

Uranium oxides in contact with water dissolves when exposed to ionizing radiation. The dissolution is induced by oxidation due to products of the water radiolysis such as hydrogen peroxide. This oxidative dissolution process has particular importance in deep geological disposal of spent nuclear fuels, because it dominates the release of radionuclides from the UO fuel matrix to the underground environment. Similarly, the uranium oxidation is expected to have a key role in long-term degradation of fuel debris generated in severe accidents in nuclear power plants. Here, our recent studies of radiation-induced dissolution of UO and also (U, Zr)O, which is one of typical solid phase found in the fuel debris will be reported.