| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2023 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Ceramic Materials for Nuclear Energy Research and Applications
|
| Presentation Title |
Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy of Nanoprecipitates in Spent UO2 Nuclear Fuel |
| Author(s) |
Edgar C. Buck, Dallas D Reilly |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Edgar C. Buck |
| Abstract Scope |
We used Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) to characterize the distribution and nature of noble metal particles (NMP) in ATM109 Spent UO2 nuclear fuel within specific regions of the fuel pellet. We had previously reported on the large 50 to 100 nm diameter NMPs. These possessed a well-defined composition. However, in the center of the fuel, we observed considerably smaller NMP, ranging from 2 to 5 nm across. These particles had variable compositions and there was a degree of lattice compatibility between UO2 matric and NMP that was revealed with atomic resolution STEM imaging. STEM-x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy and STEM-Electron energy loss spectroscopy mapping was used to examine the composition of the NMP that indicated lower than expected Pd content. Further results on the characterization of these particles that impact the long-term behavior of UO2 fuels during reactor operation will be presented. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Characterization, Nuclear Materials, |