Preventive Effect of Metal Ions on Precipitation of Uranyl Nitrate Fuel in Homogeneous Aqueous Solution Nuclear Reactors

The operational performance and power scalability of homogeneous aqueous solution nuclear reactors (HASNRs) are significantly hindered by the propensity of uranyl nitrate fuel solutions to precipitate. This study systematically evaluates the catalytic effects of various metal ions, specifically ruthenium, iron, and copper, on suppressing precipitation under varying reactor power levels and temperatures. The results demonstrate that iron ions exhibit superior catalytic efficiency, presenting a compelling solution for enhancing the reliability and performance of HASNRs utilizing uranyl nitrate fuel. This work not only provides critical insight into precipitation control but also contributes to the advancement of reactor fuel chemistry, enabling more stable and higher-power HASNR operation.