In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nuclear Science and Techniques, a team of nuclear scientists from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Nuclear Power Institute of China has introduced a new method that could revolutionize the production of 238Pu. This special material, known for its ability to generate heat, plays a crucial role in powering devices that traditional batteries cannot support, such as spacecraft and medical devices like pacemakers.
The high-resolution model developed by the researchers increases the yield of 238Pu by nearly 20% in high-flux reactors, potentially transforming space exploration and medical technology. The techniques employed in the study, filter burnup, single-energy burnup, and burnup extremum analysis, resulted in an 18.81% increase in yield, allowing for a detailed resolution of about 1 electron volt and eliminating many of the theoretical approximations previously used in the field.
Qingquan Pan, the study's lead researcher, emphasized the significance of their work, stating, "Our work not only advances isotopic production technologies but also offers a new way to approach nuclear transmutation in high-flux reactors." The importance of 238Pu cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in powering devices that operate in harsh environments, where traditional batteries are not suitable.
The production of 238Pu involves irradiating Neptunium-237 in a reactor, which has the advantage of producing low radioactive contamination. During irradiation, various new nuclides are produced, and multiple nuclear reactions occur, forming a complex transformation process. The researchers compared three methods to optimize this process: filter burnup, single-energy burnup, and burnup extremum analysis. The first two methods provide insights into how the energy spectrum affects nuclear reactions, while the third method examines how changes over time influence production efficiency. Together, these techniques enable precise control and optimization of neutron reactions within reactors.
The new method not only improves production but also reduces the impact of gamma radiation, making the process safer and more environmentally friendly. The improved 238Pu production can directly support devices operating in harsh environments, with Pan noting, "This model could significantly impact future space missions by providing longer-lasting power for spacecraft and enhancing the reliability of medical devices like pacemakers."
The implications of this research extend beyond the production of 238Pu. The new production process means that more 238Pu can be produced with fewer resources, reducing environmental impact and improving the safety of production facilities. The research team plans to expand their model's applications by refining target design, optimizing the neutron spectrum used in production, and constructing dedicated irradiation channels in high-flux reactors. These developments could streamline the production of 238Pu and be adapted for other scarce isotopes, promising widespread benefits across various scientific and medical fields.
The creation of a high-resolution neutronics model marks significant progress in nuclear science, and its application to other scarce isotopes could lead to major advancements in energy, medicine, and space technology. As the world moves towards more sophisticated energy solutions, the work of Pan and his team highlights the crucial role of innovative nuclear research in building a sustainable and technologically advanced future.
