New materials candidates for new-generation nuclear power plant applications

Absztrakt

The global population, currently around 7 billion, is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050. Meeting the growing energy demand is essential for improving quality of life and socio-economic development requires accessible and sustainable energy sources. Traditional fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas pose serious environmental challenges and are not viable long-term solutions. A transition to cleaner and more efficient energy sources is critical to mitigate the impacts of global climate change. Nuclear energy, which emits no greenhouse gases, offers a promising alternative while other renewable technologies continue to evolve. In this context, MAX phases—a class of thermodynamically stable nano-laminated ceramics—are being explored for their potential use in nuclear reactors, particularly in fuel cladding applications due to their resilience in extreme environments.