Properties of NiO–ThO2 Mixed Oxides From Hydroxides and Their Hydrogen Reducibility Behaviour

Some physico-chemical properties of NiO–ThO2mixed oxides of various compositions have been investigated. The presence of strongly bound constitutional water in the hydrogel of reactive forms of thorium dioxide, determined by their origin (thermal decomposition of mixed hydroxides) caused the different reduction behaviour as compared with other mixed oxide systems containing the only, thermodynamically less stabile reducible component. The significant effects of the thermal treatment in oxygen atmosphere, pre-irradiation by the gamma rays or accelerated electrons under various conditions (in air or in water suspension) as well as of surface chemical activation with a platinum complex on the reactivity of mixed oxides or reoxidized samples during their hydrogen reduction have been also proved.