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Chemistry and Materials for Molten Salts

Molten salts have recently received increased attention as a potential medium for the pyrochemical recycling of used nuclear fuel, as the fuel-coolant mixture in molten salt reactors, and for thermal energy storage. These extraordinary salts showcase remarkable properties: strong radiation resistance, high solubility for actinides and fission products, and impressive recyclability. They are unlocking new possibilities for nuclear energy to reach high-temperature conditions, essential for the supply of industrial process heat, the production of green hydrogen. Molten salts have been also used for the development of proliferation-resistant recycling methods for used nuclear fuel. However, the corrosive nature and high temperature environments of molten salts in which they operate pose significant challenges in terms of material selection and durability. In addition, this extreme environment can limit the types of materials and sensors that can be used for monitoring the chemical complex of changing composition. The study of thermophysical and thermochemical properties of molten salts is a crucial area for the design, operation, and safety of nuclear systems.

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Research Topics

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  • Machine learning enhanced electrochemical sensing technology

    • Researchers: Wonseok Yang, Saehyun Choi, Hyeongbin Kim, Jihun Kim, Taehoon Park

    • Sponsors: NRF

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  • Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for remote sensing

    • Researchers: Hyeongbin Kim, Jihye Park, Pilseong Kwon, Dongmin Kim

    • Sponsors: NRF​, KAERI

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  • Spectroelectrochemical techniques with UV-Vis absorption, Raman, and XAFS

    • Researchers: Wonseok Yang, Jihun Kim

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  • Measurement of moisture and trace impurities

    • Researchers: Jihun Kim, Wonseok Yang, Hyeongbin Kim

    • Sponsors: KAERI

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  • Corrosion tests with corrosion redox potential monitoring for static and loop tests

    • Researchers: Wonseok Lee, Taehoon Park, Jihun Kim, Wonseok Yang

    • Sponsors: KAIST, KIMS

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  • Thermophysical and thermochemical data measurement under various molten salt mixtures

    • Researchers: Jihun Kim, Wonseok Yang

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  • Multi-physics coupling methods for molten salt systems

    • Researchers: Jinyoung Lee, Saehyun Choi

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  • Structural characterization of fission products​​

  • Separation and removal of fission products and activation products​

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Collaborating Partners:

University of Michigan (UMich), University of Manchester, University of Sheffield, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Utah, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI), Tohoku University, Tsinghua University, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS), Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Kyung Hee University, Soonchunhyang University (SCH), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Hanyang University (HYU)

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