Surface characterisation of β-U3O7 using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Abstract

X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to characterise the uranium oxide β-U₃O₇, and binding energy values for core and valence electrons have been determined. β-U₃O₇ is shown to exhibit a unique X-ray photoelectron spectrum which is sensitive to changes in stoichiometry induced by exposure to oxygen and vacuum. This behaviour is discussed in relation to the role of β-U₃O₇ during the low-temperature oxidation of UO₂ fuel pellets in air.