Output details

Photocatalytically driven dissolution of macroscopic metal surfaces. Part 1 : Silver

Funded by NNL through EPSRC CASE 06000302, this output comprises the first observation of photocatalytically-driven dissolution of metallic surfaces for intended applications in radioactive decontamination of metals. Rigour lies in the combined use of microgravimetry (QCM), electrochemistry, microscopy and elemental analysis to quantify dissolution and assign its mechanism. The work was presented at 2009’s Universities Nuclear Technology Forum (presentation commended). Techniques developed have since been deployed on UO2 contaminated steels, leading to study of the QCM as a real-time corrosion monitor (Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Studentship 1010350) and peroxide-driven dissolution of spent UO2-based fuels under geological disposal conditions (EPSRC Award EP/I036400/1).