Electrochemical Deoxidation of UO ₂ - ZrO ₂ Mixed Oxide

U–Zr binary alloy has been identified as a promising candidate for both dispersion and metallic fuels in fast neutron reactors. This binary alloy also forms a component of the U–Pu–Zr ternary alloy fuel proposed for sodium-cooled fast reactors. This study explores the feasibility of synthesizing U–Zr alloys and the UZr 2 compound through the electrochemical reduction of mixed oxide precursors (UO 2 + ZrO 2 ). Cyclic voltammetry was employed to investigate the electrochemical behaviour of individual and mixed oxides in LiCl–Li 2 O melts (with 0%–0.5% Li 2 O) at 650 °C, providing insight into their reduction characteristics. The article also presents the results of electrolytic experiments conducted under constant current, constant voltage, and chronoamperometric modes. Additionally, the influence of key parameters such as the electrolysis method and duration on the formation of UZr 2 is discussed in detail.