Long-term corrosion in fluoride salts for the development of molten salt nuclear reactor

Description

This project will, aim to address issues related to molten salt corrosion of steel through unique large-scale tests mimicking reactor pressure-temperature. These coupled with detailed analysis will provide the scientific basis for using steels in MSR and the benefits of using highly purified salts.

Reliable and efficient energy from nuclear is key to accelerate towards a net-zero future. Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) are generation-IV nuclear reactors where the nuclear fuel is dissolved within a salt (FLiNaK) which acts as a coolant and fuel providing high thermal efficiency and the possibility of using other fissile isotopes. While MSR’s has many advantages over Light water reactors (LWR’s), developing materials ready to keep up their mechanical and material integrity in a corrosive, radioactive salt condition is the key concern. Molten salt corrosion is complex phenomenon & different processes involved in corrosion include, loss of constituent elements of the structural materials leading to reduction in wall thickness and preferential leaching of constituent elements leading to the formation of modified surface layer. The corrosion can be prevented by the use of extremely pure salts however several issues still remain to be addressed. Example, real fuel MSR’s will constantly undergo changes in chemistry as a function of burn-up and radiation effects. This project will involve working in collaboration with Copenhagen Atomics (CA) to address the issues related to molten salt corrosion of 316L stainless steel, advanced alloys and their weldments by mimicking reactor conditions. This analysis will provide a foundation for steels in MSR and advantages of using highly purified salts.

The project will involve developing experiments that provide a synergistic understanding of evolving salt chemistry and radiation on structural alloys and weldments. Corroded specimens will be characterised by employing advanced chemical, structural and depth resolved microstructural techniques to understand the atomic scale modifications and probe the interface structure.   

Applicant Eligibility

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

Application Process

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form [How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool] applying for a PhD in Materials Engineering and uploading: Degree Certificates & Transcripts, an up-to-date CV, a covering letter/personal statement and two academic references.

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Candidates wishing to discuss the research project should contact the primary supervisor, Prof. Maulik Patel [maulik@liverpool.ac.uk], those wishing to discuss the application process should discuss this with the School PGR Office [soepgr@liverpool.ac.uk] or specific question on the SATURN CDT framework for PhD to saturn@manchester.ac.uk.