RGO-Pt as an effective catalyst for U(IV) generation under hydrogen

Effective generation of U(IV) from U(VI) is a key step to achieve the partitioning of Pu from U in a spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant. Reduction under a hydrogen atmosphere is one of the methods for the generation of U(IV) from U(VI) in the presence of a catalyst. Towards this, we have developed novel reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-supported Pt catalysts with varying RGO to Pt ratios. All these catalysts were tested for their catalytic performance for U(VI) to U(IV) reduction under hydrogen, and the performance was compared with the literature-reported SiO₂-Pt model catalyst. During the catalytic study, the dual role of Pt was confirmed. It helps the dispersion of materials in the aqueous reaction medium and provides the active surface for the U(VI) reduction reaction using hydrogen. In this regard, Pt nanoclusters with larger sizes were identified for effective catalysis instead of the smallest size.