Investigation of electrochemical behavior of cerium in LiCl-KCl eutectic molten salt by modeling

Abstract Pyroprocessing is one of the promising candidates for reprocessing the spent nuclear fuel for the sustainable development of nuclear energy. A deep understanding of electrochemical phenomena is indispensable for the precise design and optimal functioning of an electrolytic cell system dedicated to pyroprocessing. In the present study, cyclic voltammetry and electrorefining processes were simulated by the finite element method, and the accuracy of the model was verified by experimental comparison. The influences of initial bulk concentration and temperature on cyclic voltammetry were investigated. The electrorefining process, including the potential distribution, as well as the changes of total current and deposition mass with time, were also explored. The results of this study will contribute significantly to understanding the molten salt electrolysis for pyroprocessing.