Researchers have suggested a novel method for boosting the stability and longevity of nuclear fuel, potentially enabling atomic energy to become safer and more efficient.
The issue with current nuclear fuel types is that upon irradiation, the material expands and interacts with the cladding that shields the fuel from the reactor’s external environment. This interaction causes the cladding to degrade and makes it more brittle, which shortens the reactor’s service life.
The authors of the paper, including Professor of Mechanical Engineering Samrat Chodhury from the University of Mississippi, proposed incorporating uranium nitride nanoparticles into the fuel. A 2024 study demonstrated that these nanoparticles can capture and retain gaseous fission products. Subsequent work in 2025 confirmed that the interface between the uranium nitride nanoparticles and the metallic fuel effectively traps the fission products that cause rod failure.
“The concept is to capture fission products within the metal matrix before they ever reach the cladding,” explained Chodhury. He noted that this will allow for the creation of fuel for the next generation of nuclear reactors.
The proposed technique could significantly reduce the volume of resulting radioactive waste because it permits the fuel to be utilized for a longer duration.
For practical implementation of this technology, tests of the fuel with nanoparticles under actual operating conditions are scheduled to verify its safety. The subsequent stage will involve seeking funds to refine the technology and collaborating with industry partners.
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