High temperature chemistry

In this teaching unit, a general approach to chemistry in non-aqueous solvents at high temperature will be developed through notions of chemical reactivity, physicochemical and thermochemical properties of oxides, salts or molten metals. Several case studies will be presented in connection with the fuel cycle or recycling chemistry.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM : 12h

            TD : 8h

The objective of this teaching unit is to present the properties of non-aqueous solvents at high temperatures (molten salts except oxides, liquid metals) and physico-chemical phenomena (solvation, non-protonic acidity, oxidation-reduction) in order to help the understanding of the processes of elaboration of glasses and purification of materials by pyrometallurgical way.

Basic elements in radioactivity

Solution chemistry applied to actinides

Final test

Description of characterization methods and analytical tools for reactions performed at high temperatures.

• General properties on oxides, salts or molten metals
• Thermochemical properties: Cp, _ΔHf, S
• Concept of non-protonic acidity (oxo-acidity, halogeno-acidity) - Experimental methods
• Melting control: synthesis protocol, redox reactions at high temperatures - Examples of industrial processes.
• Chemical activity in molten salts and liquid metals - Experimental methods
• Chemical reactivities of precursors at high temperatures and structural models of glasses
• Partition coefficients between phases
• Electrical and thermal conductivity, diffusion phenomena
• Structures and dynamics of molten oxides, rheological behavior (experimental methods)
• Thermal stability of cast iron: germination, demixing growth, devitrification
• Case studies:

- Oxide castings

- Elaboration and purification of highly reactive metals (Al, Li, Zr ...) and/or radioactive metals (U, Pu).

Administrative contact(s): Secretariat Master Chemistry

master-chimie @ umontpellier.fr (master-chimie @ umontpellier.fr)