Liu Kui, Tan Tan, Zhong Yuke, Wang Yafei, Bo Tao, Bai Zimei, Wang Shanfeng, Zhang Kai, Huang Wanxia, Zeng Jianrong, Shi Weiqun
Sino-French Institute of Nuclear Engineering and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China.
Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
Adv Sci (Weinh). 2025 Aug;12(32):e02345. doi: 10.1002/advs.202502345. Epub 2025 Jun 11.
In this study, an innovative operando characterization methodology utilizing synchrotron radiation X-ray micro-computed tomography (SR-µCT) and high-energy X-ray diffraction (HEXRD) to investigate dendritic electrodeposition in high-temperature molten salt (HTMS) electrochemistry is presented. This approach enables the in-situ visualization and quantification of uranium dendrite growth and ion diffusion dynamics during the electrochemical reaction of LiCl-KCl-UCl molten salt. Through 3D reconstruction of uranium dendrite imaging and multiphysics simulations of the uranium electrolysis process, the underlying mechanisms of uranium dendrite formation are elucidated. Additionally, in situ HEXRD analysis of electrodeposited uranium reveals that the dendritic growth morphology is intrinsically linked to its crystal structure and orientation. This research not only advances the understanding of uranium dendrite growth and evolution but also establishes a foundational framework for the development of effective dendrite suppression strategies. These findings contribute significantly to the field of HTMS electrochemistry and have potential implications for the design of advanced electrochemical systems.
在本研究中，提出了一种创新的原位表征方法，该方法利用同步辐射X射线显微计算机断层扫描（SR-µCT）和高能X射线衍射（HEXRD）来研究高温熔盐（HTMS）电化学中的树枝状电沉积。这种方法能够在LiCl-KCl-UCl熔盐的电化学反应过程中对铀树枝晶生长和离子扩散动力学进行原位可视化和量化。通过铀树枝晶成像的三维重建和铀电解过程的多物理场模拟，阐明了铀树枝晶形成的潜在机制。此外，对电沉积铀的原位HEXRD分析表明，树枝状生长形态与其晶体结构和取向有着内在联系。这项研究不仅推进了对铀树枝晶生长和演化的理解，还为开发有效的树枝晶抑制策略建立了基础框架。这些发现对HTMS电化学领域有重大贡献，并对先进电化学系统的设计具有潜在意义。
