Surface characterization of (U,Nd)O2: the influence of trivalent-dopant on structure of UO2

Abstract

The surface structures of (U,Nd)O2 pellets were characterized by using Raman spectroscopy to study the influence of trivalent-dopant on a UO2 surface lattice. The stoichiometry of each sample pellet was confirmed by analyzing the lattice parameter calculated from X-ray diffraction spectra. Raman spectra of the sample pellets showed the defect structures related to oxygen vacancies. The concentration of oxygen vacancies in (U,Nd)O2 pellets is affected by the Nd doping level.