Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a breakthrough material that can withstand the harsh conditions inside nuclear fusion reactors, significantly increasing their lifespan. The innovative solution involves lining the reactor vessels with nanoparticles of ceramic compounds, which absorb helium atoms produced during the fusion reaction.
Helium atoms are a major challenge in fusion reactors as they accumulate and eventually cause cracks to form in the vessel walls. This damage can occur within just six months. The MIT team’s discovery addresses this issue by dispersing helium atoms away from grain boundaries, reducing their concentration and diameter by half.
The material, iron silicate, was selected based on its mechanical robustness, non-reactive nature with the reactor metal, inability to become radioactive, and “free volume” available for helium atom embedding. The researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of this solution through X-ray diffraction studies and counting helium bubbles on the reactor vessel.
This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of nuclear fusion as a clean and green energy source. The MIT team’s work paves the way for more resilient and durable reactors, which is critical to overcoming the second major hurdle in achieving net energy gain from fusion reactions.
Source: https://interestingengineering.com/energy/durable-nuclear-fusion-reactor-vessel