We have recently found that uranium and plutonium metals will react with nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) at temperatures below 120?C. These are the first reported instances of such low temperature fluorination reactions using NF3 and implicate metal catalyzed dissociation of the NF3 bond. We additionally present preliminary evidences for a surface mediated product distribution. Reaction of uranium metal with NF3 promotes products that are apparently determined by the concentration of the fluorinating reagent between temperatures of 60 to 120?C.
Published: July 14, 2023
Citation
McNamara B.K., R.D. Scheele, A.M. Casella, A.E. Kozelisky, and D. Neiner. 2011.Fluorination of Uranium Metal to UF3 and UF4 by Nitrogen Trifluoride: Evidence for Elusive UF2. In Basic Actinide Science and Materials for Nuclear Applications . Symposia Z/BB. MRS Symposium Proceedings, edited by J.K. Gibson, et al, 1264, 1264-Z06-03. Warrendale, Pennsylvania:Materials Research Society.PNNL-SA-72389.doi:10.1557/PROC-1264-Z06-03