REFINE: A coordinated materials programme for the sustainable REduction of spent Fuel vital In a closed loop Nuclear Energy cycle
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Faculty of Engineering
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Organisations
- University of Nottingham (Lead Research Organisation)
- University of Manchester (Collaboration)
- University College London (Collaboration)
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (Collaboration)
- Wuhan University (Collaboration)
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology (Collaboration)
- National Nuclear Laboratory (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE (Collaboration)
Publications
Gao H
(2014)
Preparation of Mo nanopowders through electroreduction of solid MoS2 in molten KCl-NaCl.
in Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP
Gao H
(2017)
Correction: Preparation of Mo nanopowders through electroreduction of solid MoS2 in molten KCl-NaCl.
in Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP
Gao H
(2013)
Liquid diffusion of the instantaneously released oxygen ion in the electrolytic porous Fe from solid Fe2O3 in molten CaCl2
in Electrochimica Acta
Gao Y
(2021)
Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Assisted Green Electrochemical Preparation of Silicon from Solid Silica in Calcium Chloride Melt
in Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B
Gao Y
(2017)
Magnesia-stabilised zirconia solid electrolyte assisted electrochemical investigation of iron ions in a SiO2-CaO-MgO-Al2O3 molten slag at 1723 K.
in Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP
Gao Y
(2015)
Organoaqueous calcium chloride electrolytes for capacitive charge storage in carbon nanotubes at sub-zero-temperatures.
in Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)
Gogotsi Y
(2014)
Carbon electrodes for energy storage: general discussion.
in Faraday discussions
Gogotsi Y
(2014)
Carbon electrode interfaces for synthesis, sensing and electrocatalysis: general discussion.
in Faraday discussions
Hu D
(2018)
Development of the Fray-Farthing-Chen Cambridge Process: Towards the Sustainable Production of Titanium and Its Alloys.
in JOM (Warrendale, Pa. : 1989)
| Description | We have demonstrated in principle that mixed metal oxides can be effectively separated via partial electro-reduction and anodic dissolution in molten salts. This evidence forms the basis for further investigation on separation and extraction of active elements from spent nuclear fuel. In addition, near the end of the project, we have tested active materials with the cavity electrode in the NFL and repeated the electrochemical findings from using non-active or surrogate materials. Since October 2016, I have been appointed a visiting fellow (professor) of the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics where R&D efforts have been continuing to improve and scale up molten salts reactors for safer and more efficient nuclear energy. My role has been mainly to collaborate with the Institute in molten salts based chemistry and processes. In the past three years, we have taken our molten salt research into the area of molten salt based metal-air batteries which are comparable to lithium ion batteries in energy capacity, but offer much higher power, longer service life and lower environmental impact. |
| Exploitation Route | We had considered, together with other partners of the REFINE consortium, the second phase funding from the EPSRC, but this seems not happening. Because I have been undertaking secondment in the China Campus of the University of Nottingham, my effort in the past three years has been focused on looking for R&D and commercial opportunities in China in relation with molten salts based technologies for both energy and materials. In this line, I am now collaborating with molten salts researchers in the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, CAS, as a guest research fellow (professor), aiming to better understand molten salts chemistry in relation with their research on the next generation of nuclear reactor. We are now in discussion with a couple of Chinese companies on the R&D for titanium production in molten salts. (The followings were added on 23 February 2020) To my best knowledge, our partner, Dr Clint Sharrad of School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, The University of Manchester, has been awarded funding to build a Molten Salts in Nuclear Technology Laboratory (MSNTL) as part of the UK's National Nuclear User Facility (NNUF). We have started collaboration with a Chinese company on the R&D for titanium production in molten salts. The work will be carried out in the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, and also by the Chinese company. (The following was added on 17 February 2021) Collaboration with Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics has resulted in a technology breakthrough in the preparation of quasi-solid molten salt electrolyte that can significantly improve the safety and durability of molten salt batteries. The work has attracted a great attention of internet based media, e.g. https://www.theengineer.co.uk/molten-salt-metal-air-nottingham-china-battery/ |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Chemicals,Energy,Environment,Government, Democracy and Justice,Transport |
| URL | http://pubs.rsc.org/en/journals/journalissues/fd#!issueid=fd016190&type=current&issnprint=1359-6640 |
| Description | George Chen has been nominated as one of the "People of the Year 2015" in the field of energy and mineral resources by the high profile Chinese magazine "Scientific Chinese". He has also won the prestigious title of Specially Invited Expert of Zhejiang Province (1000 Talent Plan, 2015). He also received the 2014 Inman Medal in recognition of his contribution to molten salts electrochemistry. In addition, he has applied his academic reputation in the field of molten salts chemistry and technology to the organization and chairing of two successful international conferences, both took place in China: (1) Faraday Discussions - Liquid Salts for Energy and Materials, Ningbo, China, 11-13 May 2016", and (2) "2017 International Forum on Liquid Salts for Energy Storage Materials, Huairou, Beijing, 03-05 September 2017. Each of these conference was attended by over 100 attendees from academia, industry and government. George Chen was elected on 16 December 2019 to be Chairman of the Molten Salts and Ionic Liquids Discussion Group, Royal Society of Chemistry. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2016 |
| Sector | Chemicals,Energy,Environment,Transport,Other |
| Impact Types | Societal |
| Description | Lecture at CCS Utilization Meeting for All Party Parliamentary Climate Change Group in the Parliament on using molten salts for CO2 utilisation |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Description | Development of a First Class Discipline in Chemical Engineering and Technology |
| Amount | ¥2,500,000 (CNY) |
| Organisation | Zhejiang Provincial Government |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | China |
| Start | 01/2015 |
| End | 12/2019 |
| Description | Key Laboratory of More Electric Aircraft Technology of Zhejiang Province |
| Amount | ¥10,000,000 (CNY) |
| Organisation | Zhejiang Provincial Government |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | China |
| Start | 01/2019 |
| End | 12/2023 |
| Description | Ningbo 3315 Innovation Team 2014 |
| Amount | ¥10,000,000 (CNY) |
| Funding ID | 3315 Innovation Team |
| Organisation | Ningbo Government |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | China |
| Start | 11/2014 |
| End | 10/2018 |
| Description | Novel molten salt electrolysis process for efficient recovery of titanium from industrial wastes (MERTi) |
| Amount | £1,582,450 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 10017140 |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2022 |
| End | 07/2024 |
| Description | REFINE |
| Amount | £445,520 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/J000582/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2011 |
| End | 11/2015 |
| Description | Research and development of innovative storage technologies for marine renewable energy |
| Amount | ¥4,000,000 (CNY) |
| Funding ID | 2014A35001-1 |
| Organisation | Ningbo Government |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | China |
| Start | 12/2014 |
| End | 11/2017 |
| Description | Zhejiang 1000 Talents Plan (Innovation) |
| Amount | ¥1,500,000 (CNY) |
| Funding ID | Zhejiang 1000 Talents Plan |
| Organisation | Zhejiang Provincial Government |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | China |
| Start | 01/2015 |
| End | 12/2019 |
| Title | An electrochemical cell with a metallic cavity working electrode for studying the electrochemical properties of spent nuclear fuel in molten salt |
| Description | This tool is called metallic cavity electrode. It is fabricated using a molybdenum foil with through holes |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | This is a first use of the metallic cavity electrode in an electrochemical cell in a glove box for nuclear material studies for studying the electrochemical properties of active spent nuclear fuel in molten salts. |
| Title | Surrogate materials for nuclear active materials in electrochemical studies |
| Description | Materials that have some of their electrochemical properties comparable to those spent nuclear fuels are tabulated with their electrochemical properties and basic physical properties. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2013 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The surrogate database has been used by other partners in the REFINE Consortium. |
| Description | Materials Electrochemistry |
| Organisation | Wuhan University |
| Country | China |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The collaboration aims to research and develop electrochemical technologies in relation with molten salts and materials. I have been the academic supervisor of more than 20 postgraduate students. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Studentship, research funding, and laboratory |
| Impact | We have jointly published over 50 peer reviewed journal articles and about five patent applications. |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Description | Materials for solar energy harvest and storage |
| Organisation | Wuhan University of Science and Technology |
| Country | China |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I am the academic leader of a team of 7 staff members to research and develop on materials for solar energy harvest and storage. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provision of research funding, researchers and laboratory |
| Impact | (1) Chen Y, Chen GZ*, Chapter X - New processing techniques for porous graphene architectures with potential applications in electrochemical energy storage devices, in Innovations in Engineered Porous Materials for Energy Generation and Storage Applications, ed. Avinash Balakrishnan, Science Publishers - CRC Press/Taylor & Francis Group, (2018) in press. (2) Gao YM*, Yang CH, Zhang CL, Qin QW, Chen GZ, Magnesia-stabilised zirconia solid electrolyte assisted electrochemical investigation of iron ions in the SiO2-CaO-MgO-Al2O3 molten slag at 1723 K, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 19 (2017) 15876-15890. (3) Zhou YK*, Lu JM, Deng CJ, Zhu HX, Chen GZ, Zhang SW, Nitrogen-doped graphene guided formation of monodisperse microspheres of LiFePO4 nanoplates as the positive electrode material of lithium-ion batteries, J. Mater. Chem. A, 4 (2016) 12065-12072. (4) Zhang LX, Gu HZ, Sun HB, Gao FF, Chen Y*, Chen GZ, Molecular level one-step activation of agar to activated carbon for high performance supercapacitors, Carbon, 132 (2018) 573-579. (5) Hu HB, Gao YM*, Lao YG, Qin QW, Li GQ, Chen GZ, Yttria stabilized zirconia aided electrochemical investigation on ferric ions in mixed molten calcium and sodium chlorides, Mater. Metall. Trans. B, 49(5) (2018) 2794-2808. (6) Chen J, Zhou YK*, Li RZ, Wang X, Chen GZ*, Highly-dispersed nickel nanoparticles decorated titanium dioxide nanotube array for enhanced solar light absorption, App. Surf. Sci., 464 (2019) 716-724. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Molten Salt Reactors and Batteries |
| Organisation | Chinese Academy of Sciences |
| Department | Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics |
| Country | China |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | As a visiting research fellow (visiting professor), |
| Collaborator Contribution | Giving seminars on molten salt electrochemistry and research, examination of PhD thesis, advising ongoing research in the Institute, and writing joint publications |
| Impact | (1) Two joint papers have been published. (a) Peng C*, Guan CZ, Lin J, Zhang SY, Bao HL, Wang Y, Xiao GO, Chen GZ*, Wang JQ*, A rechargeable high-temperature molten salt iron-oxygen battery, ChemSusChem, 11(11) (2018) 1880-1886. https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.201800237 (b) Zhang SY, Yang Y, Cheng LW, Sun J, Wang XM, Nan PF, Xie CM, Yu HS, Xia YH, Ge BH, Lin J, Zhang LJ, Guan CZ, Xiao GP, Peng C*, Chen GZ*, Wang JQ*, Quasi-solid-state electrolyte for rechargeable high-temperature molten salt iron-air battery, Energy Storage Mater., 35 (2021) 142-147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensm.2020.11.014 (2) (a) A joint international Symposium was organised in 2016 at the Institute; (b) Two joint presentations at the Research Meetings of the RSC Molten Salts and Ionic Liquids Discussion Group (MSILDG). |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | REFINE Consortium |
| Organisation | National Nuclear Laboratory |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | We report to the consortium our research findings and also offer our help to the other partners, particularly UCL. |
| Collaborator Contribution | All partners communicate with us their research findings at the project progress meetings. |
| Impact | Most outputs from this collaboration are the mutual awareness and understanding of the research findings from each partner. This collaboration is multi-disciplinary, involving chemical engineering, materials science, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry. |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Description | REFINE Consortium |
| Organisation | University College London |
| Department | Chemical Engineering |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We report to the consortium our research findings and also offer our help to the other partners, particularly UCL. |
| Collaborator Contribution | All partners communicate with us their research findings at the project progress meetings. |
| Impact | Most outputs from this collaboration are the mutual awareness and understanding of the research findings from each partner. This collaboration is multi-disciplinary, involving chemical engineering, materials science, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry. |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Description | REFINE Consortium |
| Organisation | University of Cambridge |
| Department | Department of Earth Sciences |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We report to the consortium our research findings and also offer our help to the other partners, particularly UCL. |
| Collaborator Contribution | All partners communicate with us their research findings at the project progress meetings. |
| Impact | Most outputs from this collaboration are the mutual awareness and understanding of the research findings from each partner. This collaboration is multi-disciplinary, involving chemical engineering, materials science, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry. |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Description | REFINE Consortium |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Department | School of Chemistry |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We report to the consortium our research findings and also offer our help to the other partners, particularly UCL. |
| Collaborator Contribution | All partners communicate with us their research findings at the project progress meetings. |
| Impact | Most outputs from this collaboration are the mutual awareness and understanding of the research findings from each partner. This collaboration is multi-disciplinary, involving chemical engineering, materials science, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry. |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Description | REFINE Consortium |
| Organisation | University of Manchester |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We report to the consortium our research findings and also offer our help to the other partners, particularly UCL. |
| Collaborator Contribution | All partners communicate with us their research findings at the project progress meetings. |
| Impact | Most outputs from this collaboration are the mutual awareness and understanding of the research findings from each partner. This collaboration is multi-disciplinary, involving chemical engineering, materials science, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry. |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Title | Ultra-low temperature chlorine salt aqueous super-capacitor electrolyte |
| Description | The invention relates to low temperature electrolyte, in particular to ultra-low temperature chlorine salt aqueous super-capacitor electrolyte capable of enabling a super-capacitor battery to have excellent electrochemical performance under the condition of an ultra-low temperature. The ultra-low temperature chlorine salt aqueous super-capacitor electrolyte is prepared according to the following method that distilled water and an organic solvent comprising the amino group are mixed according to a volume ratio of 1:2 to 2:1 and chlorine salt is dissolved in the mixed solvent to form solution with concentration of 0.5 to 2mol L-1, i.e. the electrolyte solution for the super-capacitor battery using a carbon material as an electrode material. The ultra-low temperature chlorine salt aqueous super-capacitor electrolyte is characterized in that at a temperature of minus 60 DEG C, a specific capacitance of the super-capacitor battery made of the ultra-low temperature chlorine salt aqueous super-capacitor electrolyte is more than twice of that of a super-capacitor battery made of pure water electrolyte using the chlorine salt with the same concentration and is approximately two thirds of that at the room temperature. The electrolyte is used for the super-capacitor battery, is low in price, is simple and convenient to operate, has low toxicity, has good low-temperature performance and has high application value. |
| IP Reference | CN104505263 |
| Protection | Patent application published |
| Year Protection Granted | 2015 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | An international patent application is being filed based on the Chinese version. |
| Description | Seminar in Parliament |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | I will report this later here. I will report this later |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | |