Advanced Atomic Energy Research Section

概要

Main objective of our research section is to realize
advanced energy systems for the sustainable development under global environmental constraints. We have
shown a Zero-emission energy scenario based on fusion energy with biomass-based recycling system
where biomass waste is converted into liquid fuel or
hydrogen. And further we now propose an innovative
Negative emission scenario. to isolate CO2 in the atmosphere by a carbonization process. Our research
section focuses on development of hydrogen isotopes
fuel circulation system, breeding blankets, fusion material R&D, feasibility study for fusion-biomass hybrid power system, conversion of biomass waste, and
fusion neutron generation/measurement. Followings
are main research achievements in the fiscal year of
2022.
- Finding electronic descriptors for predicting defect
formation properties in Be intermetallics.
- Development and successful operation of liquid lithium lead droplet system for efficient recovery of hydrogen isotope using a heat and mass-transfer loop.
- Development of diffusion pump using sodium vapor
for the divertor exhaust in a fusion system.
- Electrochemical purification of Bi in Li-Pb eutectic
using chloride molten salt
2. Electronic descriptors for Be intermetallics
The use of an electronic descriptor is a highthroughput approach for predicting the chemical reactivities of various materials that has the potential to
significantly facilitate the material design of Be intermetallic neutron multipliers for nuclear fusion applications. Herein, we perform first-principles calculations on 42 existing binary Be intermetallics to find an
effective electronic descriptor. We demonstrate that
the occupied Be p band center relative to the Fermi
level is a bulk descriptor, correlating with the Be vacancy formation energy; a positive and linear correlation with R2 = 0.85 was observed for Be12X (X: transition metal) as shown in Fig. 1. The upward shift in
energy of the occupied Be p states with early or middle
transition metals can reduce hydrogen solution energy,
which could be attributed to the less filled anti-bonding state of interstitial hydrogen atom. ...