ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal
This is a page describing data taken during an experiment at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. Information about the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source can be found at https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk.
Actinide oxide reactivity under industrial interim storage conditions: models of the UK?s plutonium inventory
Abstract: To ensure safe storage and re-treatment of the UK?s plutonium inventory, reactions occurring over the material whilst in storage must be determined. If any water is adsorbed on nuclear waste materials in sealed cans, radiolysis will yield H2. In March 2024 we measured the INS spectra of UO2 derived from uranium oxalate, mimicking the route used in industry,1, and post reaction with H2 at temperatures experienced in the packages (RB2220688). By comparison with UH3, we have managed to exclude the formation of this highly reactive and pyrophoric compound under these industrially relevant conditions. In this proposal we wish to further the work by investigating the more complex reaction of UO2 and ThO2 with H2O, using INS to observe any OH vibrations, and/or physisorbed water. The H2O reactivity, in combination with H2 data already collected, aims to provide experimental evidence that can be used to underpin a cost-effective safety case for the long-term storage of UK nuclear material. This is a joint proposal with the Diamond Light Source where we wish to investigate the interplay of the redox chemistry of water and H2 over UO2 and ThO2.
Principal Investigator: Dr Emma Gibson
Experimenter: Mr Jude Ferrier
Experimenter: Miss Eilidh MacCormick
Experimenter: Dr Joy Farnaby
Local Contact: Dr Ian Silverwood
Experimenter: Mr Artem Doynikov
DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2420290
ISIS Experiment Number: RB2420290
| Part DOI | Instrument | Public release date | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2420290-1 | MAPS | 23 July 2028 | Download |
Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source
Data format: RAW/Nexus
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Data Citation
The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research
publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher],
[doi]
For Example:
Dr Emma Gibson et al; (2026): Actinide oxide reactivity under industrial interim storage conditions: models of the UK?s plutonium inventory , STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2420290
Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.
