
Radiolytic and Thermal Processes Relevant to Dry Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel
Author(s) -
Theodore E. Madey
Publication year - 2001
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/789795
Subject(s) - x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , desorption , ionic bonding , radiolysis , thermal desorption , chemistry , irradiation , hydrogen , oxide , thermal desorption spectroscopy , ion , oxygen , adsorption , analytical chemistry (journal) , materials science , chemical engineering , nuclear physics , environmental chemistry , physics , organic chemistry , engineering , aqueous solution
Characterize the effects of temperature and radiation processes on the interactions of H20 with oxide surfaces. Our experiments focused on the fundamental interaction of H20 molecules with surfaces of U02. We characterized the surface chemistry of adsorbed H2O using thermal desorption methods and radiotracer methods, as well as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and low energy ion scattering (LEIS). In parallel with these measurements of thermal effects, we examined the effects of secondary electrons and high-energy photons on hydrogen and oxygen generation and, and how this related to corrosion of spent nuclear fuel. These studies concentrated on neutral and ionic (cation and anion) desorption products of low-energy electron irradiation of water-covered UO2