Real-Time Molten Salt Analysis Advances Reactor Technology

Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists have developed a real-time method for tracking chemical changes in molten salt, a crucial step toward deploying molten salt reactors for energy production. The method, detailed in the *Journal of the American Chemical Society*, utilizes laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to measure elements and identify isotopes in molten salt. LIBS involves focusing a laser into the material to create a plasma that emits light. Analyzing this light allows scientists to identify and quantify the elements and isotopes present. Researchers successfully measured various elements and isotopes in real-time in a molten salt mixture heated to 350 degrees Celsius. They also estimated the rate of diffusion and solubility of gases within the salt. This advancement enables a better understanding of chemical reactions and monitoring of reactor chemical states, potentially leading to more efficient electricity generation and radioisotope harvesting compared to traditional light-water reactors.