Effect of CO on surface oxidation of uranium metal

The surface reactions of uranium metal with carbon monoxide at 25 and 200 °C have been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); respectively. Adsorption of carbon monoxide on the surface layer of uranium metal leads to partial reduction of surface oxide and results in U4f photoelectron peak shifting to the lower binding energy. The content of oxygen in the surface oxide is decreased and O1s/O4f ratio decreases with increasing the exposure of carbon monoxide. The investigation indicates the surface layer of uranium metal has resistance to further oxidation in the atmosphere of carbon monoxide.