Reduction recrystallization of uranium oxides in molybdate melts

The presence of traces of water dissolved in a sodium molybdate melt and the interaction of this water with a metal surface (NP-2 nickel) in contact with the melt are confirmed. It is shown experimentally that U3O8 can be reduced to UO2 in sodium molybdate melt by the hydrogen that is released during such an interaction. A technological process of reprocessing spent oxide nuclear fuel using the phenomenon studied is described.