Insight to the Electro-Deposition of Sr and Cs to the Liquid Bi Electrode-A Model Development

Abstract The use of Bi electrode for the electrochemical separation of Sr and Cs is a promising method for separating radioactive nuclides. Because both the active electrode and molten salt system are in liquid form, the electrochemical reactions involve various physical changes, making the process complex and interdependent. By integrating the diffusion, electromigration, and phase transition, a transition model enabling real-time predictions of Sr and Cs separation in the molten salt was developed and validated by the experiments. Effect of values and modes of the applied current on the Sr and Cs deposition was examined. It was found that based on the laboratory-scale electrochemical reactions, applying a large current followed by a decreasing current facilitates the electrochemical separation of Sr and Cs.