The kinetics of O2 reduction studies on hyperstoichiometric UO2.002 electrode

The cathodic reduction of O2 is one of the major reactions involved in nuclear fuel corrosion under permanent waste disposal conditions. The kinetics of this reaction have been studied in dilute alkaline aqueous solution on a slightly hyperstoichiometric UO2.002 electrode using rotating disc techniques. Overall, a four electron reduction to OH- with a reaction order of one with respect to O2 has been observed under these conditions. However once blockage of active sites occurs by adsorption or surface oxidation, the O2 reduction reaction may deviate from the four-electron process. (author)