Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abdulrahman S. Al-Awad, Lluis Batet, Luis Sedano
Summary: Liquid lead-lithium eutectic is a promising material in nuclear fusion technologies. However, the lack of a generalized theory of interatomic forces in the liquid state requires various functional forms to describe the interactions between atoms. Computer simulations help study liquid metal properties, and parameterizing the classical-MD EAM potential using different properties improves the performance in pure and alloyed liquid systems.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Nicolas Gabriel Orsetti, Martina Gamba, Sofia Gomez, Juan Pablo Yasno, Gustavo Suarez
Summary: In the current global environmental paradigm, lithium zirconate-based materials (LZOs) are of great technological interest in reducing the carbon footprint. They have various applications including tritium breeding ceramics, CO2 capture and industrial reuse, nanocoatings for lithium-ion and solid-state batteries, and catalytic materials for biodiesel and air-hydrogen fuel cells.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yujuan Zhang, Chunhong Wang, Defeng Wu, Xintao Guo, Lei Yu, Ming Zhang
Summary: By adding straight chain fatty acid additives into the co-polymerization reaction system, the optical properties of lead-containing plexiglass were significantly improved, with increased light transmittance and reduced haze value. The resulting material also exhibited good toughness and mechanical strength, making it suitable for gamma-ray shielding applications in atomic energy facilities.
REACTION CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hui Wang, Enda Ci, Xiaoqing Li, Ying Zhang, Zhenying Zhang, Jianqiang Li
Summary: A new eutectic phase change material has been prepared for residential radiator heating application. It has suitable phase change temperature and high latent heat. The thermal conductivity is effectively improved by adding expanded graphite.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Riccardo Morina, Daniele Callegari, Daniele Merli, Giancarla Alberti, Piercarlo Mustarelli, Eliana Quartarone
Summary: A novel and green proof-of-concept using deep eutectic solvents (DES) has been developed to fully recover valuable metals from various cathode active materials with high efficiency and purity, achieving selective recovery of metals such as Li, Mn, Co, and Ni under milder conditions. The proposed method also allows for simple separation of cathode components and the reuse of leaching solvents for multiple extractions, thus further enhancing process sustainability.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Giselle de Araujo Lima e Souza, Maria Enrica Di Pietro, Franca Castiglione, Valeria Vanoli, Andrea Mele
Summary: Choline-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have the potential to replace flammable organic solvent electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This study investigates the effect of adding a lithium salt on the structure and dynamics of DESs using multinuclear NMR techniques. The results show that the addition of lithium salt decreases both rotational and translational mobility, increases viscosity, and indicates lithium complexation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pietro Arena, Alessandro Del Nevo, Fabio Moro, Simone Noce, Rocco Mozzillo, Vito Imbriani, Fabio Giannetti, Francesco Edemetti, Antonio Froio, Laura Savoldi, Simone Siriano, Alessandro Tassone, Fernando Roca Urgorri, Pietro Alessandro Di Maio, Ilenia Catanzaro, Gaetano Bongiovi
Summary: The Water-Cooled Lead-Lithium Breeding Blanket (WCLL BB) is a candidate for the driver blanket of the EU-DEMO reactor, designed with a holistic approach that considers various factors such as neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, thermo-mechanics, and magneto-hydro-dynamics. The layout of WCLL BB is able to meet different requirements, including integration, tritium self-sufficiency, and thermal and mechanical needs. The design choices and characteristics of WCLL BB for EU-DEMO are discussed, along with achievements and remaining issues to be investigated further in the upcoming design phase.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Yongliang Xiong, Yifeng Wang, Greg Roselle, Sungtae Kim
Summary: Lead/lead-alloy materials could be an excellent alternative for outer layers of high-level nuclear waste packages due to their corrosion resistance and radiation-shielding capability, potentially eliminating the issue of sulfide-induced metal corrosion experienced by copper.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Erik Karlsson, Jorg Neuhausen, Robert Eichler, Ivan I. Danilov, Alexander Vogele, Andreas Turler
Summary: The study investigated the use of silver as a filtering material to remove iodine from the gas phase in lead-bismuth eutectic based nuclear reactors. Thermochromatography experiments showed that iodine atoms chemisorb onto the silver surface. Silver meets the criteria for a capturing material in water-free filtering systems as an alternative to traditional alkaline scrubbers in LWR systems.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Economics
Elias Carayannis, Marco Vinzenzi, John Draper, Nikos Kanellos
Summary: The recent breakthrough in net energy gain from fusion reactions opens up various possibilities for fusion energy. This article argues that fusion has the potential to become the next General-Purpose Technology (GPT) due to its multiple applications beyond electricity. Using the theory of technological change, the paper analyzes the evolution of fusion technologies at both micro and macro levels, exploring potential development paths for the fusion industry and its impact on other industries, as well as the diffusion of fusion across national innovation systems. The article emphasizes the importance of managed co-opetition through open science and concludes with perspectives on how fusion technologies will shape research funding, technological progress, and economic growth.
JOURNAL OF THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Ahui Zhu, Xinyu Bian, Weijiang Han, Dianxue Cao, Yong Wen, Kai Zhu, Shubin Wang
Summary: The extensive use of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles has effectively addressed the issues of insufficient energy resources and environmental pollution, and the recycling of waste batteries has become increasingly mature. Deep-eutectic solvents (DESs), as a green and inexpensive technology, have shown great potential in the field of battery recycling with excellent selectivity and leaching efficiency.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiahan Song, Yubing Si, Wei Guo, Donghai Wang, Yongzhu Fu
Summary: DEEs are a new class of electrolytes induced by specific interactions. The electrolytes show promising ionic conductivity and intrinsic safety characteristics, providing potential applications in energy storage devices.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Jingwen Ba, Rongguang Zeng, Xiayan Yan, Rui Li, Wenqing Wu, Fengyun Li, Xin Xiang, Daqiao Meng, Tao Tang
Summary: In this study, Li4SiO4 ceramics were irradiated with He+ and H+ ions at room temperature, resulting in structural changes and formation of bubbles. The growth of bubbles was influenced by temperature and hydrogen atoms.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Marc Nel-lo, Oscar Ferrer, Sergi Colominas, Jordi Abella
Summary: This study designed and tested electrochemical sensors based on solid electrolytes for measuring lithium concentrations in molten lead-lithium alloys. Experimental results showed a linear relationship between Open Circuit Potential values and the logarithm of lithium activities, fulfilling the Nernst equation.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoping Fan, Chunlei Tan, Yu Li, Zhiqiang Chen, Yahao Li, Youguo Huang, Qichang Pan, Fenghua Zheng, Hongqiang Wang, Qingyu Li
Summary: This study proposed a green and efficient closed-loop direct regeneration technology for reconstructing cathode materials from spent lithium ion batteries, successfully recovering lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide and providing a new approach for the industrialization of spent lithium ion battery recycling.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Eduardo Iraola, Luis Sedano, Jose M. Nougues, Josep A. Feliu, Bruno Coya, Lluis Batet
Summary: This paper explores the issue of dynamic tritium inventory management in complex systems, reviews various artificial intelligence techniques, and discusses the most promising approaches for monitoring balance in ITER-like plant systems. There is great potential for AI applications in fault diagnosis and process monitoring, which could improve the dynamic management of tritium in complex plant systems.
FUSION ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Daniel Suarez, Eduardo Iraola, Cristina Lampon, Elisabet Mas de les Valls, Lluis Batet
Summary: DEMO reactor serves as a technological demonstrator and a component test reactor, utilizing dual coolant lithium lead (DCLL) as a promising breeding blanket candidate for functions such as shielding, cooling, and breeding. Proper distribution of thermal loads between the two coolants is crucial for high efficiency. Computational studies have been conducted to analyze the effects of heat transfer coefficient between liquid metal and helium, as well as the impact of flow parameters under complex conditions.
FUSION ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Eduardo Iraola, Jose Nougues, Luis Sedano, Josep A. Feliu, Lluis Batet
Summary: Cryogenic distillation is the best option for hydrogen isotopic separation in fusion power plants, and dynamic simulation tools are crucial in analyzing and designing tritium processing systems. The use of commercial simulators can enhance industrial-scale fusion plant modeling standardization and improve operator training systems, human-machine interfaces, and process monitoring and control capabilities.
FUSION ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Simone Ferrero, Lluis Batet, Jose Ignacio Linares, Eva Arenas, Alexis Cantizano, Laura Savoldi
Summary: Nuclear fusion technology holds significant value in providing reliable base load in low-carbon energy scenarios, with advantages such as high power density, low emissions, and flexibility. Developing a dynamic model with Modelica for a supercritical CO2 power cycle allows for adjusting power production according to required loads, showcasing the effectiveness of using Modelica in control system design for variable load profiles.
FUSION ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Daniel Suarez, Elisabet Mas de les Valls, Lluis Batet
Summary: A method for obtaining head loss coefficients in geometric singularities of hydrodynamic circuits using CFD calculations has been established. This method was applied to a complex case involving MHD phenomena, analyzing the influence of a magnetic field on a prototype channel singularity in a liquid metal circuit. The differences between MHD and purely hydrodynamic cases were studied, with analyses conducted using high performance computing facilities.
PLASMA PHYSICS AND CONTROLLED FUSION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jordi Marti, Ferran Mazzanti, Grigori E. Astrakharchik, Lluis Batet, Laura Portos-Amill, Borja Pedreno
Summary: Fusion energy is a promising alternative for a decarbonised energy system. This study investigates the behavior of lithium-helium mixtures and introduces a new microscopic model to describe the formation of helium droplets, which could impact the performance of breeding blankets in future fusion nuclear reactors.
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
L. Sedano, G. A. Esteban, M. Cavaro, E. Iraola, A. Abdulrahman, L. Batet, M. Guasch
Summary: The helium production rates in liquid metals, such as the Pb-Li eutectic alloy and LLE, are closely linked to tritium and have significant implications for the self-sufficiency of fusion reactors. LLE channels with helium bubbles can impact the design of Blanket Breeders and affect tritium transport and recovery. Although helium is considered an inert gas, its solubility in liquid metals is not zero. A proposed semi-empirical correlation provides the helium solubility based on the available thermo-physical experimental solubility data for specific metals. The integration of helium solubility in the lead-lithium eutectic nuclear material database is crucial for fusion systems design.
NUCLEAR MATERIALS AND ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
D. Suarez, A. Khodak, E. Mas de les Valls, L. Batet
Summary: With the advancement of nuclear fusion research, the design of systems that complement the nuclear fusion reaction in Tokamak plasma has become more important. The protection of plasma-facing components and breeding blankets often relies on liquid metal flows under intense magnetic fields. This article discusses the formal validation and verification of an MHD code used to study liquid metal flow in a Tokamak.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PLASMA SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Daniel Suarez, Eduardo Iraola, Joaquim Serrat, Elisabet Mas de les Valls, Shimpei Futatani, Lluis Batet
Summary: This study investigates the flow of liquid metals in breeding blankets of tokamak fusion reactors with an externally applied transverse magnetic field. The effect of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) under the tokamak magnetic field enhances the laminarization of the flow. Under certain conditions, the combination of Lorentz forces, momentum, and buoyant forces can trigger the formation of vortical structures. A quasi-two-dimensional (Q2D) model is used to study this phenomenon, assuming electrically insulating walls and a high Hartmann number. The application of the bi-dimensional fast Fourier transform (FFT2) is proposed as a suitable method to detect the presence of eddies in the flow domain.
PLASMA PHYSICS AND CONTROLLED FUSION
(2023)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Eduardo Iraola, Jose M. Nougues, Lluis Batet, Josep A. Feliu, Luis Sedano
Summary: This study presents the modeling procedure of the Tokamak Exhaust Processing system in a commercial simulator and verifies the model's accuracy. The results of this study are significant because it is the first time this process has been modeled in a commercial simulator and the model can play a key role in tritium process monitoring, helping engineers generate valuable data for future fusion projects.
FUSION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Edgar Alvarez-Galera, Jordi Marti, Ferran Mazzanti, Lluis Batet
Summary: Tritium self-sufficiency in fusion nuclear reactors relies on the neutron capture of lithium, which generates helium and tritium. However, the low solubility of helium in liquid metals may lead to the formation of helium bubbles, affecting the performance of the breeding blanket. In this study, we used a microscopic model to investigate the behavior of lithium and helium mixtures under experimental conditions, and our simulations aligned well with experimental data. We found that helium bubbles of approximately 10 Å formed at ambient pressure, and segregation between helium and lithium atoms was strong.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marta Pena, Elisabet Mas de Les Valls
Summary: This work investigates the inclusion of gender mainstreaming in engineering teaching and research, an area known for its low proportion of female students. The research results in a guide of recommendations for teaching and research staff to incorporate gender equality in engineering. The study serves as a crucial tool for further understanding and addressing gender bias in engineering.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abdulrahman S. Al-Awad, Lluis Batet, Luis Sedano
Summary: Liquid lead-lithium eutectic is a promising material in nuclear fusion technologies. However, the lack of a generalized theory of interatomic forces in the liquid state requires various functional forms to describe the interactions between atoms. Computer simulations help study liquid metal properties, and parameterizing the classical-MD EAM potential using different properties improves the performance in pure and alloyed liquid systems.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Liuming Wei, Jingwen Li, Yonggang Li, Qirong Zheng, Fan Cheng, Chuanguo Zhang, Jingyu Li, Gaofeng Zhao, Zhi Zeng
Summary: This study investigates the influence of He-V complexes on H behaviors on different W surfaces using DFT calculations. The results show that H dissolution is most difficult but H trapping is easiest on the W (110) surface, while the opposite is true on the W (111) surface. Moreover, the presence of He-V complexes increases the difficulty of H diffusion from bulk to surface and desorption.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yan Meng, Song Zeng, Chen Chen, Chaowen Zhu, Huahai Shen, Xiaosong Zhou, Xiaochun Han
Summary: The characteristics of magnetron sputtered Cr coatings vary with different temperature, bias voltage, and pressure. Coatings with random orientation, good crystallinity, and small grain size exhibit favorable oxidation behavior, while coatings with strong (200) texture, poor crystallinity, and large grains have many intrinsic defects that are detrimental to the protection property of the Cr coatings.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xinyuan Xu, Zefeng Yu, Wei-Ying Chen, Aiping Chen, Arthur Motta, Xing Wang
Summary: This study presents an automated approach for characterizing grain morphology in TEM images recorded during ion irradiation. By combining a machine learning model and a computer vision algorithm, comparable results to human analysis can be achieved with significantly reduced analysis time. Researchers can train their own models following the procedures described in this study to automate grain morphology analysis of their own TEM images.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shihao Wu, Dong Wang, Yapei Zhang, Koji Okamoto, Marco Pellegrini, Wenxi Tian, Suizheng Qiu, G. H. Su
Summary: The oxidation and degradation mechanisms of Cr coating on Zr alloy cladding under high temperature steam atmosphere are summarized, and a mathematical analysis model is established to predict the changes in coating thickness. The model is applied in the analysis of structure evolution under different conditions.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
V. Diaz-Mena, J. de Prado, M. Roldan, I. Izaguirre, M. Sanchez, M. Rieth, A. Urena
Summary: The brazeability of a cupronickel alloy was evaluated as a filler alloy for high-temperature joining of tungsten to steel. The study investigated the brazing conditions and the impact of the selected filler on the joint quality using numerical software. The results showed different metallurgical interactions and diffusion phenomena between the filler alloy and the base materials at different temperatures. The study emphasized the importance of selecting a suitable filler to mitigate residual stresses in the joints.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pengcheng Zhu, Yajie Zhao, Yan-Ru Lin, Jean Henry, Steven J. Zinkle
Summary: This study investigates the effect of heavy-ion irradiation on radiation hardening in high-purity binary alloy Fe18Cr. Nanoindentation testing and high-quality TEM imaging were conducted to extract hardness and microstructure information. The strength factor was accurately calculated based on the detailed TEM characterization of irradiated microstructures, and a refined hardening superposition method was applied to quantify the mechanical properties of ion-irradiated materials.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bin Wu, Haixia Ning, Hanzhen Zhu, Jianjun Chen, Kang Wang, Daiyu Zhang, Fu Wang, Qilong Liao
Summary: This study discusses the effects of ZrO2 and B2O3 on the phase composition and properties of SAP-based glass-ceramics. The results show that ZrO2 addition improves the formation of NZP phase while restricting the crystallization of AlPO4 phases. The correct ratios of ZrO2 and B2O3 allow only the formation of NZP phase within the SAP glass.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hwasung Yeom, Greg Johnson, Benjamin Maier, Tyler Dabney, Kumar Sridharan
Summary: Cr-Nb bilayer coatings were developed using cold spray deposition to improve the limiting operational temperature of Cr-coated Zr-alloy system. The coatings exhibited outstanding oxidation resistance at high temperatures and formed continuous intermetallic compound layers at the interfaces.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Padhraic L. Mulligan, Andrew T. Nelson, Chad M. Parish, Patrick A. Champlin, Xiang Chen, Daniel Morrall, Jason M. Harp
Summary: Environmental barrier coatings are being developed to reduce oxidation and embrittlement in Zr-based materials. Chromium nitride is a candidate for this application, but understanding its impact on irradiation-induced creep and microstructure is critical.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dexuan Yan, Xinlei Cao, Ke Shen
Summary: This study investigated the purification mechanism of polycrystalline graphite by comparing IG-11 graphite with IG-110 nuclear grade graphite. The analysis revealed that metallic impurities in IG-11 were primarily segregated within graphite porosities, while IG-110 demonstrated a significant reduction in impurities. This research contributes to the development of innovative graphite purification techniques for greater purity and stronger oxidation resistance.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wei Xu, Wei Peng, Lei Shi, Qi Sun
Summary: This paper investigates the oxidation and shape evolution of matrix graphite in high temperature gas-cooled reactors during air-ingress accidents. A reaction kinetics model is established and computational fluid dynamics with a dynamic mesh method is used to simulate the oxidation process. The results show that the geometric shape of graphite changes significantly with increasing flow rate, and the graphite pebbles tend to form a structure with a narrow front and wide tail.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Allison Harward, Casey Elliott, Michael Shaltry, Krista Carlson, Tae-Sic Yoo, Guy Fredrickson, Michael Patterson, Michael F. Simpson
Summary: This paper investigates the hygroscopic properties of eutectic LiCl-KCl absorbed into zeolite-4A. The study finds that water absorption and corrosion worsen with increasing salt loading. It also suggests that the salt can be stored in a non-inert atmosphere for a certain period of time.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Takaaki Koyanagi, Xunxiang Hu, Christian M. Petrie, Gyanender Singh, Caen Ang, Christian P. Deck, Weon-Ju Kim, Daejong Kim, James Braun, Yutai Katoh
Summary: This study provides critical experimental data on the effects of irradiation on the hermeticity of SiC composite cladding, finding that irradiation can cause a decrease in hermeticity and cracking, and coating the outer surface can mitigate the cracking issue.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
S. Krat, A. Prishvitsyn, Yu. Gasparyan
Summary: This study proposes a probabilistic and diffusion-based model to describe the co-deposition of multiple hydrogen isotopes with slowly grown metal layers. The model calculates the relative concentrations of different hydrogen isotopes in the co-deposited metal layers. It is found that if hydrogen isotopes have different detrapping energies, only the isotope with the highest detrapping energy shows a monotonic decrease in concentration with deposition temperature. Furthermore, the study evaluates the uncertainty of tritium concentration in the co-deposited layer based on the uncertainty in detrapping energy of tritium and deuterium, predicting a >10% tritium concentration uncertainty for a 0.01 eV difference.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tijo Vazhappilly, Arup Kumar Pathak
Summary: This study investigates the effect of Ce atom substitution in UO2 on its thermophysical properties using density functional theory. The results show that the Ce substitution levels and the oxidation state of Ce/U atoms strongly influence the band structure and specific heat capacity of the UO2 lattice. These findings provide important insights into the fuel properties of UO2 under reactor conditions.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
