Advances in the separation of uranium and plutonium by electrodeposition in ionic liquids

Abstract

Ionic liquids, known as “green solvents”, have a wide electrochemical window and radiation stability, making them valuable in spent fuel reprocessing. This paper traces the development of ionic liquids, reviews the advances in research on the dissolution and electrochemical behavior of uranium in these solvents, and analyses the factors contributing to their distinct electrochemical behavior. For plutonium, research on its electrodeposition is scarce; however, it has been discovered that it can be electrodeposited in ionic liquids with bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (NTf₂⁻) as the anion. Finally, the key research directions in this field are prospected.