The Evaluation of Polarized Dynamic Reference Electrode (p-Dyn RE) for LiCl-1 wt% Li2O Molten Salt at 650 degrees C: Li+/Li p-Dyn RE versus O-2/O2- p-Dyn RE

Abstract

We evaluate a Li+/Li polarized dynamic reference electrode (p-Dyn RE) and an O-2/O(2)(-)p-Dyn RE for 650. C LiCl-1 wt% Li2O molten salt. These Dyn REs are non-equilibrium, polarized reference electrodes whose potential deviates from their standard reduction potential by the overpotential for the continuous current flow on the reference electrode. The potential dependency of the Li+/Li and O-2/O(2)(-)p-Dyn REs on the applied current was examined in comparison with the theoretical behavior. While the Li+/Li p-Dyn RE exhibited potential instability due to the surface change on the Li-generating electrode, the O-2/O(2)(-)p-Dyn RE showed the reliable stability and it could be successfully employed in the LiCl-1 wt% Li2O molten salt electrochemical cell for UO2 reduction. (C) 2016 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.