The Reaction of Uranium Deuteride with Nitrogen

The reaction of uranium deuteride with nitrogen has been investigated at room temperature followed by a thermal ramp to a furnace temperature of 230°C. This work utilized about 100 g of uranium deuteride that underwent seven absorption/desorption cycles with deuterium to provide a higher surface area on which to observe the reaction. Reactions were performed by flowing a mixture of N₂ and ³He (95:5) through the UD₃ sample. The reaction was monitored via mass spectrometry and pressure measurement. Evidence of partial consumption of N₂ to form D₂ and U₂N₃ was indicated at room temperature with the reaction limited to the sample surface. Increasing the sample furnace temperature to 230°C resulted in the full consumption of N₂ and the associated generation of lower stoichiometry nitrides and D₂. These results highlight that the reaction between nitrogen and uranium deuteride can occur at room temperature and that uranium beds are susceptible to a small loss in capacity when exposed to nitrogen.