Handbook of Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry / Mit einem Anhang über Transurane / The Compounds

This volume comprehensively describes various reactions of interest in the context of the application of UO2 as a nuclear fuel. A detailed knowledge of the solubility behavior od UO2 in aqueous solutions is crucial for assessing the consequences of permanent disposal of spent fuel in geologic repositories, while its oxidation behavior in air determines the temperature limits acceptable for dry storage of spent fuel. The interactions of UO2 with zirconium and steel (used as cladding materials) and with sodium (used as a coolant) are of great interest for the operation of nuclear reactors. Examples for reactions used to produce other technically important uranium compounds are the fluorination and hydrofluorination of UO2 as well as its carbothermic reduction and reduction with calcium or magnesium.