Fluorine: A key enabling element in the nuclear fuel cycle

Fluorine-in the form of hydrofluoric acid, anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, elemental gaseous fluorine, fluoropolymers, volatile inorganic fluorides, and more-has played, and still plays, a major role in the nuclear industry. In order to enrich uranium, the metal has to be in the gaseous state. While more exotic methods are known, the standard and most cost-competitive way of achieving this is by means of uranium hexafluoride (UF6). This compound sublimates at low temperatures, and the vapour is enriched using centrifugal processes. The industrial preparation of uranium hexafluoride requires both elemental fluorine gas and anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (HF). HF is prepared by the reaction of sulphuric acid with fluorspar (CaF2). Fluorine gas in turn is prepared by the electrolysis of HF. This paper summarizes the fluorochemical skills developed locally over the past several decades, and suggests strategies for maintaining the technology base and developing it for the next generation of scientists and engineers.