Preparation and Characterization of Bi_4Ti_3O_(12) Platelets by a Novel Low-temperature Molten Salt System

Bismuth titanate （Bi4Ti3O12） platelets were prepared by molten salt method in a new salt system of CaCl2·NaCl at 650-750℃, using bismuth nitrate pentahydrate （Bi （NO3）3·H2O） and titanium butoxide （Ti （OC4H9）4） as raw materials. The synthesis temperature of Bi4Ti3O12 platelets was decreased to 650℃ from 900-1100℃. The phase compositions and crystalline morphology of Bi4Ti3O12 platelets were investigated by XRD and SEM. The experimental results indicate that Bi4Ti3O12 platelets containing tetragonal and orthorhombic phase with the size of 1-3μm can be synthesized at 650℃ for 2 h, and the orthorhombic phase becomes the dominant phase at 750℃ for 5 h. The size and proportion of Bi4Ti3O12 platelets increase with the increment of the calcining temperature and holding time. The proportion of platelets increases to about ninety percent, and the platelets grow up to about 3-10μm at 750℃ for 5 h from 1-2μm at 650℃ for 2 h. This technical route provides a new low-temperature molten salt system for preparing platelets by molten salt methods.

Dynamic simulation analysis of molten salt reactor-coupled air-steam combined cycle power generation system

A nonlinear dynamic simulation model based on coordinated control of speed and flow rate for the molten salt reactor and combined cycle systems is proposed here to ensure the coordination and stability between the molten salt reactor and power system.This model considers the impact of thermal properties of fluid variation on accuracy and has been validated with Simulink.This study reveals the capability of the control system to compensate for anomalous situations and maintain shaft stability in the event of perturbations occurring in high-temperature molten salt tank outlet parameters.Meanwhile,the control system’s impact on the system’s dynamic characteristics under molten salt disturbance is also analyzed.The results reveal that after the disturbance occurs,the controlled system benefits from the action of the control,and the overshoot and disturbance amplitude are positively correlated,while the system power and frequency eventually return to the initial values.This simulation model provides a basis for utilizing molten salt reactors for power generation and maintaining grid stability.

Plutonium utilization in a small modular molten-salt reactor based on a batch fuel reprocessing scheme

A molten salt reactor(MSR)has outstanding features considering the application of thorium fuel,inherent safety,sustainability,and resistance to proliferation.However,fissile material^(233)U is significantly rare at the current stage,thus it is difficult for MSR to achieve a pure thorium-uranium fuel cycle.Therefore,using plutonium or enriched uranium as the initial fuel for MSR is more practical.In this study,we aim to verify the feasibility of a small modular MSR that utilizes plutonium as the starting fuel(SM-MSR-Pu),and highlight its advantages and disadvantages.First,the structural design and fuel management scheme of the SM-MSR-Pu were presented.Second,the neutronic characteristics,such as the graphite-irradiation lifetime,burn-up performance,and coefficient of temperature reactivity were calculated to analyze the physical characteristics of the SM-MSR-Pu.The results indicate that plutonium is a feasible and advantageous starting fuel for a SM-MSR;however,there are certain shortcomings that need to be solved.In a 250 MWth SM-MSR-Pu,approximately 288.64 kg^(233)U of plutonium with a purity of greater than 90% is produced while 978.00 kg is burned every ten years.The temperature reactivity coefficient decreases from -4.0 to -6.5 pcm K^(-1) over the 50-year operating time,which ensures a long-term safe operation.However,the amount of plutonium and accumulation of minor actinides(MAs)would increase as the burn-up time increases,and the annual production and purity of^(233)U will decrease.To achieve an optimal burn-up performance,setting the entire operation time to 30 years is advisable.Regardless,more than 3600 kg of plutonium eventually accumulate in the core.Further research is required to effectively utilize this accumulated plutonium.

Electrodeposition of aluminum on needle cathode using AlCl3/urea molten salts at low-temperature and its application to hydrogen generation

The electrodeposition of aluminum(Al)was studied using two electrolyte solutions,such as anhydrous AlCl3-urea and hydrated AlCl3·6 H2 O-urea.A systematic examination using cell voltages 1.0–2.0 V was carried out at temperatures((50–100)±2)°C.A needle-shaped cathode was employed for the deposition of aluminum.A dendrite and particulate microstructure of Al were observed on the needle-shaped cathode.An improved condition for the manufacturing of small sizes and high purity of aluminum deposits was obtained.Pure Al with a current efficiency(yield)of 84%–99%was obtained from those of non-aqueous electrolytes and only of 8.6%–9.3%from those of hydrated electrolytes.The electrical conductivities of electrolytes remained considerable at((50–100)±2)°C.The improved aluminum powders were used for the reaction with water.The aluminum reacts with water at room temperature,producing pure H2 with 100%yield.The electrodeposited aluminum metal can be used as an excellent energy carrier.

Molten Salt-Shielded Synthesis(MS^(3))of MXenes in Air

MXenes are two-dimensional transition metal carbides and/or nitrides with unique physiochemical properties and have attracted extensive interest in numerous fields.However,current MXene synthesis methods are limited by hazardous synthesis conditions,high production costs,or difficulty in largescale production.Therefore,a general,safe,cost-effective,and scalable synthesis method for MXenes is crucial.Here,we report the fast synthesis of MXenes in the open air using a molten salt-shielded synthesis(MS^(3))method,which uses Lewis-acid salts as etchants and a low-melting-point eutectic salt mixture as the reaction medium and shield to prevent MXene oxidation at high temperatures.Carbide and nitride MXenes,including Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x),Ti_(2)CT_(x),Ti_(3)CNT_(x),and Ti_(4)N_(3)T_(x),were successfully synthesized using the MS^(3) method.We also present the flexibility of the MS^(3) method by scaling the etching process to large batches of 20 and 60 g of Ti_(3)AlC_(2) MAX precursor in one pot.When used as negative electrodes,the prepared MS^(3)-MXenes delivered excellent electrochemical properties for high-rate Li-ion storage.

Analysis of burnup performance and temperature coefficient for a small modular molten‑salt reactor started with plutonium

In a thorium-based molten salt reactor(TMSR),it is difficult to achieve the pure 232Th–^(233)U fuel cycle without sufficient^(233)U fuel supply.Therefore,the original molten salt reactor was designed to use enriched uranium or plutonium as the starting fuel.By exploiting plutonium as the starting fuel and thorium as the fertile fuel,the high-purity^(233)U produced can be separated from the spent fuel by fluorination volatilization.Therefore,the molten salt reactor started with plutonium can be designed as a^(233)U breeder with the burning plutonium extracted from a pressurized water reactor(PWR).Combining these advantages,the study of the physical properties of plutonium-activated salt reactors is attractive.This study mainly focused on the burnup performance and temperature reactivity coefficient of a small modular molten-salt reactor started with plutonium(SM-MSR-Pu).The neutron spectra,^(233)U production,plutonium incineration,minor actinide(MA)residues,and temperature reactivity coefficients for different fuel salt volume fractions(VF)and hexagon pitch(P)sizes were calculated to analyze the burnup behavior in the SM-SMR-Pu.Based on the comparative analysis results of the burn-up calculation,a lower VF and larger P size are more beneficial for improving the burnup performance.However,from a passive safety perspective,a higher fuel volume fraction and smaller hexagon pitch size are necessary to achieve a deep negative feedback coefficient.Therefore,an excellent burnup performance and a deep negative temperature feedback coefficient are incompatible,and the optimal design range is relatively narrow in the optimized design of an SM-MSR-Pu.In a comprehensive consideration,P=20 cm and VF=20%are considered to be relatively balanced design parameters.Based on the fuel off-line batching scheme,a 250 MWth SM-MSR-Pu can produce approximately 29.83 kg of ^(233)U,incinerate 98.29 kg of plutonium,and accumulate 14.70 kg of MAs per year,and the temperature reactivity coefficient can always be lower than−4.0pcm/K.

Study on the effect of thermal deformation on the liquid seal of high-temperature molten salt pump in molten salt reactor

The high-temperature molten salt pump is the core equipment in a molten salt reactor that drives the flow of the molten salt coolant.Rotor stability is key to the continuous and reliable operation of the molten salt pump,and the liquid seal at the wear ring can affect the dynamic characteristics of the rotor system.When the molten salt pump is operated in the hightemperature molten salt medium,thermal deformation of the submerged parts inevitably occurs,changing clearance between the stator and rotor,affecting the leakage and dynamic characteristics of the seal.In this study,the seal leakage,seal dynamic characteristics,and rotor system dynamic characteristics are simulated and analyzed using finite element simulation software based on two cases of considering the effect of seal thermal deformation effect or not.The results show a significant difference in the leakage characteristics and dynamic characteristics of the seal obtained by considering the effect of seal thermal deformation and neglecting the effect of thermal deformation.The leakage flow rate decreases,and the first-order critical speed of the seal-bearing-rotor system decrease after considering the seal’s thermal deformation.

Study on the corrosion behavior of 316H stainless steel in molten NaCl–KCl–MgCl_(2) salts with and without purification

The corrosion behavior of 316H stainless steel(SS)in the impure and purified Na Cl–KCl–Mg Cl_(2) salt was investigated at700°C.Results indicate that the main deleterious impurity induced corrosion in the impure salt was the absorbed moisture,present in the form of Mg Cl_(2)·6H_(2)O.316H SS occurred severe intergranular corrosion with a corrosion depth of 130μm for1000 h in the impure Na Cl–KCl–Mg Cl_(2) salt.In contrast,the purification treatment of molten chloride salt by the dissolved Mg metal can remove the absorbed moisture,and the corresponding reactions were also discussed.As a result,the corrosiveness of Na Cl–KCl–Mg Cl_(2) salt is reduced significantly.316H SS occurred slight uniform corrosion with a depth of less than 5μm for 3000 h in the purified Na Cl–KCl–Mg Cl_(2) salt.

Preparation of Zr-Cu Coatings on Copper Substrate Using a Molten Salt Method

Dense zirconium coatings on copper substrates were obtained in an alumina crucible and a stainless steel crucible from FLiNaK-K_(2)ZrF_(6)molten salt at 1023 K.Due to the potential difierences between copper and zirconium,zirconium can difiuse into the copper substrate to form zirconium alloys on the surface of copper substrates in the course of deposition.The coating deposited in a stainless steel crucible has a gray surface.The components of the coating are mainly CuZr2alloy and Cu_(10)Zr_(7)alloy,and,the outermost layer of the coating is a layer of amorphous pure zirconium.The coating deposited in an alumina crucible has a silvery white metallic luster.The components of the coating are mainly Cu-Zr-Al intermetallic compounds,AlCu_(2)Zr,ZrAl,AlCu and CuZr.Furthermore,two types of zirconium coatings can greatly increase the hardness of the substrate.

Molten salt synthesis,morphology modulation,and lithiation mechanism of high entropy oxide for robust lithium storage

High entropy oxides(HEOs)with ideal element tunability and enticing entropy-driven stability have exhibited unprecedented application potential in electrochemical lithium storage.However,the general control of dimension and morphology remains a major challenge.Here,scalable HEO morphology modulation is implemented through a salt-assisted strategy,which is achieved by regulating the solubility of reactants and the selective adsorption of salt ions on specific crystal planes.The electrochemical properties,lithiation mechanism,and structure evolution of composition-and morphology-dependent HEO anode are examined in detail.More importantly,the potential advantages of HEOs as electrode materials are evaluated from both theoretical and experimental aspects.Benefiting from the high oxygen vacancy concentration,narrow band gap,and structure durability induced by the multi-element synergy,HEO anode delivers desirable reversible capacity and reaction kinetics.In particular,Mg is evidenced to serve as a structural sustainer that significantly inhibits the volume expansion and retains the rock salt lattice.These new perspectives are expected to open a window of opportunity to compositionally/morphologi cally engineer high-performance HEO electrodes.

Advances in Molten Salt Synthesis of Non-oxide Materials

The properties of non-oxide materials are continuously revealed,and their applications in the fields of ceramics,energy,and catalysis are increasingly extensive.Regardless of the traditional binary materials or the MAX phases,the preparation methods,which are environmentally friendly,efficient,economical,and easy to scale-up,have always been the focus of attention.Molten salt synthesis has demonstrated unparalleled advantages in achieving non-oxide materials.In addition,with the development of the process in molten salt synthesis,it also shows great potential in scale-up production.In this review,the recent progress of molten salt synthesis in the preparation of binary non-oxide and MAX phase is reviewed,as well as some novel processes.The reaction mechanisms and the influence of synthetic conditions for certain materials are discussed in detail.The paper is finalized with the discussion of the application prospect and future research trends of molten salt synthesis in non-oxide materials.

Preparation of RE-containing magnesium alloys via molten-salt-mediated magnesiothermic reduction

RE-containing magnesium alloys were prepared via molten-salt-mediated magnesiothermic reduction by using RE_(2)O_(3)(RE=Y,Nd and Gd)and Mg metal as raw materials.The thermomechanical analysis of the magnesiothermic reduction reactions in molten salt was investigated.Then the molten-salt-mediated magnesiothermic reduction process was studied from three different perspectives.After that,the RE-containing magnesium alloy was characterized by using chemical analysis,XRD analysis and SEM analysis.The magnesiothermic reduction was a liquid-liquid reaction with relatively weak driving force.During the melting process and the magnesiothermic reduction process,magnesium metal and the obtained alloy went up and down as a whole in molten salt,which improved the process safety without introducing chloride inclusions.Meanwhile,the hydrolysis of the RECl_(3^(-))containing molten salt occurred at elevated temperature,which severely impeded the magnesiothermic reduction process.After the magnesiothermic reduction at 750°C for 2.0 h,the content of RE and the common impurity elements in the obtained RE-containing alloy met the both requirements of the commercial WE43A and WE43B.

Effect of reprocessing on neutrons of a molten chloride salt fast reactor

Due to their unique features,such as the inherent safety,simplified fuel cycle,and continuous on-line reprocessing,molten salt reactors(MSRs)are regarded as one of the six reference reactors in the Generation IV International Forum(GEN-IV).Molten chloride salt fast reactors(MCFRs)are a type of MSR.Compared to molten fluoride salt reactors(MFSRs),MCFRs have a higher solubility of heavy metal atoms,a harder neutron spectrum,lower accumulation of fission products(FPs),and better breeding and transmutation performance.Thus,MCFRs have been recognized as a type of MSR with great prospects for future development.However,as the most important feature for MSRs,the effect of different reprocessing modes on MCFRs must be researched in depth.As such,this study investigated the effect of different isotopes,especially FPs,on the neutronic performance of an MCFR,such as its breeding performance.Furthermore,the characteristics of the different reprocessing modes and MCFR rates were analyzed in terms of safety,radioactivity level,neutron economy,and breeding capacity.In the end,a reprocessing method suitable for MCFRs was determined through calculation and analysis,which provides a reference for the further research of MCFRs.

Preparation of Periclase-forsterite Lightweight Heat-insulating Refractories by Molten Salt Method

Low grade magnesite is one of the main research directions in the future as the raw material for the preparation of magnesia based insulating refractories.Periclase-forsterite(MgO-Mg_(2)SiO_(4)) lightweight insulating refractories were prepared by the molten salt method with high silica magnesite and tertiary talc ore as raw materials by pretreating them to get light burnt magnesia and talc,and NaCl molten salt as the reaction medium.The effects of the NaCl addition,the sintering temperature,the holding time and the raw material ratio on the sample preparation were studied.The results show that when the NaCl addition is 20% of the mass of light burnt magnesia and talc mixture,the sintering temperature is 1 200 ℃,the holding time is 6 h,and m(light burnt magnesia):m(talc)=5:5,the sample has the optimal comprehensive properties:the bulk density of 1.46 g·cm^(-3) and the apparent porosity of 55.0%.In addition,it is found that self-decomposition of talc and the formation of forsterite can form pores inside the sample.

Research progress on protective coatings against molten nitrate salts for thermal energy storage in concentrating solar power plants

Concentrating solar power(CSP) has garnered considerable global attention as a reliable means of generating bulk electricity, effectively addressing the intermittent nature of solar resources.The integration of molten salt technology for thermal energy storage(TES) has further contributed to the growth of CSP plants;however, the corrosive nature of molten salts poses challenges to the durability of container materials, necessitating innovative corrosion mitigation strategies.This review summarizes scientific advancements in high-temperature anticorrosion coatings for molten nitrate salts, highlighting the key challenges and future trends.It also explores various coating types, including metallic, ceramic, and carbon-based coatings, and compares different coating deposition methods.This review emphasizes the need for durable coatings that meet long-term performance requirements and regulatory limitations, with an emphasis on carbon-based coatings and emerging nanomaterials.A combination of multiple coatings is required to achieve desirable anticorrosion properties while addressing material compatibility and cost considerations.The overall goal is to advance the manufacturing, assembly, and performance of CSP systems for increased efficiency, reliability, and durability in various applications.

Low-temperature selective synthesis of metastableα-MoC with electrochemical properties:Electrochemical co-reduction of CO_(2)and MoO_(3)in molten salts

Metastable molybdenum carbide(α-MoC),as a catalyst and an excellent support for metal catalysts,has been widely used in thermo/electro-catalytic reactions.However,the selective synthesis ofα-MoC remains a great challenge.Herein,a simple one-pot synthetic strategy for the selective preparation of metastableα-MoC is proposed by electrochemical co-reduction of CO_(2)and MoO_(3)in a low-temperature eutectic molten carbonate.The synthesizedα-MoC shows a reed flower-like morphology.By controlling the electrolysis time and monitoring the phase and morphology of the obtained products,the growth process ofα-MoC is revealed,where the carbon matrix is deposited first followed by the growth ofα-MoC from the carbon matrix.Moreover,by analyzing the composition of the electrolytic products,the formation mechanism forα-MoC is proposed.In addition,through this one-pot synthetic strategy,S-dopedα-MoC is successfully synthesized.Density functional theory(DFT)calculations reveal that S doping enhanced the HER performance ofα-MoC by facilitating water absorption and dissociation and weakening the bond energy of Mo-H to accelerate H desorption.The present work not only highlights the valuable utilization of CO_(2) but also offers a new perspective on the design and controllable synthesis of metal carbides and their derivatives.

CeO_2 as the Oxygen Carrier for Partial Oxidation of Methane to Synthesis Gas in Molten Salts: Thermodynamic Analysis and Experimental Investigation

A new technique -- the direct partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas using lattice oxygen in molten salts medium has been introduced. Using CeO2 as the oxygen carrier, thermodynamic data were calculated in the reaction process, and the results indicated that direct partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas using lattice oxygen of cerium oxide is feasible in theory. In a stainless steel reactor, the effects of temperature and varying amounts of γ-Al2O3 supported CeO2 on cn4 conversion, H2 and CO selectivity, were investigated, respectively. The results show that 10% CeO2/γ-Al2O3 has the maximal reaction activity at a temperature of 865 ℃ and above, the H2/CO ratio in the gas that has been produced reaches 2 and the CH4 conversion, H2 and CO selectivity reached the following percentages： i.e. 61%, 89%, and 91% at 870 ℃, respectively. In addition, increase of reaction temperature is favorable for the partial oxidation of methane.

Capture and electro-splitting of CO_2 in molten salts

Due to the serious greenhouse gas effects caused by the increasing concentration of atmospheric CO_2,carbon capture and storage(CCS) has been an important area of research and many technologies are developed within this field. Molten salt CO_2 capture and electrochemical transformation(MSCC-ET) process is a desirable method due to a high CO_2 solubility, a wide potential window of molten salts and easily-controlled electrode reactions. Generally, electro-splitting CO_2 in molten salts begins with CO_2 absorption reactions to form CO_3^(2-), which is then followed by the carbon deposition at the cathode and O_2 evolution at the anode. As a result, CO_2 is electro-converted to O_2 and carbon with different morphologies, compositions, microstructures and functional properties. This report introduces the MSCC-ET process, summarizes the reactions occurring in the molten salts and at the electrode surfaces, as well as the morphological variations of the cathodic products. The inert anode materials, cost estimation and scale-up evaluation of the process are then discussed. It is presumed that with a comprehensive understanding of the electrode reactions during electrolysis and the functional properties of carbon materials obtained during CO_2 electro-splitting can provide a foundation for further developing this environmentally friendly process.

Reductive smelting of spent lead–acid battery colloid sludge in a molten Na_2CO_3 salt

Lead extraction from spent lead–acid battery paste in a molten Na2CO3 salt containing Zn O as a sulfur-fixing agent was studied. Some influencing factors, including smelting temperature, reaction time, Zn O and salt dosages, were investigated in detail using single-factor experiments. The optimum conditions were determined as follows: T = 880°C; t = 60 min; Na2CO3/paste mass ratio = 2.8:1; and the Zn O dosage is equal to the stoichiometric requirement. Under the optimum conditions, the direct recovery rate of lead reached 98.14%. The results suggested that increases in temperature and salt dosage improved the direct recovery rate of lead. XRD results and thermodynamic calculations indicated that the reaction approaches of lead and sulfur were Pb SO4→Pb and Pb SO4→Zn S, respectively. Sulfur was fixed in the form of Zn S, whereas the molten salt did not react with other components, serving only as a reaction medium.

Application of annexation principle to the study of thermodynamic properties of ternary molten salts CaCl_2-MgC_2-NaCl

Based on the practical basis of measured activities and phase diagrams aswell as in the light of the mass action law. the model of inseparable cations and anions of moltensalts and mattes, and the annexation principle of two kinds of solutions in binary melts, thecalculating model of mass action concentrations of molten salts CaCl_2-MgCl_2-NaCl was formulated.The results of calculation not only agree with experimental values, but also obey the mass actionlaw, testifying that the model formulated can embody the structural characteristics of these ternarysalts, and that the model of inseparable cations and anions as well as the annexation principle oftwo kinds of solutions in binary melts are also applicable to these ternary salts.