Investigating the influence of F− on U4+ in molten LiCl–KCl–UF4 system and electro-deposition of U

Electrochemical behaviors of U4+ in LiCl–KCl–UF4 eutectic and deposition of U metal were investigated. It was found that the presence of F− has influence on the diffusion of U3+ and U4+ as comparing to data obtained in pure chloride molten salts. Electrochemical deposition of U was carried out by using pulse current electrolysis. Characterization results indicate that U metal was obtained at the cathode, implying U metal can be directly deposited from LiCl–KCl–UF4 eutectic in this case and the extractive ratio is calculated to be 98%. Our results demonstrate feasible separation of U from LiCl–KCl–UF4 molten salt by electrochemical method.