Nuclear energy presents environmental benefits, yet the challenge of radioactive waste management persists. Advanced solutions, such as Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs), require a more profound understanding of molten salt chemistry. This research aims to develop tools, including a depletion simulator, molten salt electrochemical simulator, and a fluoride-based thermodynamic reference electrode for electrochemical purification. The computationally inexpensive depletion simulator allows for exploration into extraction and processing strategies for molten salt reactors. An illustrative case study on Mo-99 production from MSRs demonstrates the practical application of the theoretical framework, emphasizing the need for optimization in extraction effectiveness and separation difficulty. The electrochemical simulator, employing first-principles models, contributes to both nuclear technology and the broader field of electrochemistry. Detailed analyses of linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) for uranium deposition, coupled with numerical simulations for diffusion coefficient measurements, enhance precision in experimental methodologies. The study into fluoride-based thermodynamic reference electrodes provides validation of boron nitride as a viable ion-exchange membrane permeation of oxide impurities as a contributing factor to reference electrode failure, and an investigation of an alternative reference electrode chemistry based on the equilibrium between U3+ and U4+. This novel reference electrode chemistry enabled electrochemical purification of fluoride-based salts which were characterized with square wave voltammetry and have less than 30 ppm O2-. In summary, this work not only advances theoretical understanding but also provides practical tools for nuclear energy and electrochemical processes. Its interdisciplinary approach of integrating theory, computation, and experimentation represents a significant stride toward the responsible and balanced utilization of nuclear power to address global energy needs and challenges.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BGMYU2/oai:scholarsarchive.byu.edu:etd-11362 |
| Date | 25 April 2024 |
| Creators | Stoddard, Michael |
| Publisher | BYU ScholarsArchive |
| Source Sets | Brigham Young University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Theses and Dissertations |
| Rights | https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/ |
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