Some investigations of the reaction of activated charcoal with fluorine and uranium hexafluoride

Since the 1969 shutdown of the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) at Oak Ridge, radiolytically generated fluorine (F2) and 233-uranium hexafluoride (233UF6) migrated from the fuel storage tanks through gas piping to a charcoal bed. This report addresses the carbon–fluorine–uranium chemistry under conditions reproducing those found in the charcoal beds. Laboratory analysis of the reaction products has been extensive and includes electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, TGA-DTA as well as a host of other techniques. The chemical identity, stoichiometry, structure, thermochemistry, and potential for energetic decomposition of the primary reaction product, ‘fluorinated charcoal’, was determined. As a result of this research, remedial solutions were developed and implemented.