Characterization of Uranium Codeposited with Hydrogen on Nickel Cathodes

Previously, it has been reported that nuclear transmutation reactions are accelerated when radioactive elements are subjected to low-level electric fields during electrolysis of aqueous electrolytes. Our research investigated the codeposition of U{sub 3}O{sub 8} and H on Ni cathodes, using an acidic electrolyte and a Pt anode. Then, the radiation emitted by the electroplated U{sub 3}O{sub 8} was compared with radiation emitted by unelectrolyzed U{sub 3}O{sub 8} from the same batch. The electroplated U{sub 3}O{sub 8} initially produced {approx}2900 counts in 3 min (April 17, 2000). This rose sporadically in steps to {approx} 3700 counts in 3 min on May 11, 2000, and it remained relatively constant at this level until the GM measurements ended on June 8, 2000. The unelectrolyzed U{sub 3}O{sub 8} from the same batch emitted radiation at a much lower rate, {approx}1250 counts in 3 min, and this remained almost constant over the entire period of measurement. After the GM measurements, a gamma-ray spectrometer was used to measure radiation from the same two, 10-mg electroplated and unelectrolyzed U{sub 3}O{sub 8} samples. The net integral of the same 36 peaks for the same measurement time (25 h) gave 53 000 counts for the electroplated sample, 1.7 timesmore » as many as the 31 000 counts for the unelectrolyzed sample. Alpha and beta measurements are under way for both samples. Figure 2 shows a scanning electron microscope micrograph of a typical surface structure of uranium electroplated on a nickel cathode. The donut-like features appear to be the result of microscopic surface eruptions that produced voids surrounded by raised circular rims. Figure 3 shows an energy dispersive spectrometer spectrum from electroplated U{sub 3}O{sub 8} on a nickel cathode. In addition to oxygen and uranium, cesium, iron, and nickel are present. A peak at 16.36 keV, which overlaps with a uranium peak at 16.44 keV, is tentatively labeled as fermium. Mass spectrometer and X-ray diffraction studies are also underway.« less