- NANO Nuclear Energy (NASDAQ: NNE) collaborates with MIT to explore the potential of nitrate molten salts in nuclear applications.
- The $500,000 research project will examine thermal and radiolytic behavior of "solar salts" under gamma irradiation.
- The study aims to advance next-generation nuclear reactor designs, expecting completion in 2027.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) has embarked on a significant two-year irradiation testing program with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering. This collaborative effort seeks to explore the thermal and radiolytic behavior of nitrate molten salts, also known as "solar salts," for potential use in advanced nuclear energy systems.
Supported by an over $500,000 investment in research and development, the study will be conducted under the guidance of Professor Koroush Shirvan. Using MIT's Gammacell 220F Co-60 irradiator, the research will provide insights into the performance of these salts under controlled gamma irradiation conditions. Key diagnostic tools such as magnetic sector residual gas analyzers, laser flash analysis, and post-irradiation spectroscopic techniques will be employed to evaluate off-gassing behavior, thermal degradation, and material stability.
The project holds promise for improving understanding of molten salts in radiation environments, which is crucial for the development of next-generation reactor designs. Such advancements are expected to enhance safety and performance models for nuclear reactors. Quarterly updates will be coordinated between MIT researchers and NANO Nuclear's engineering teams, ensuring timely integration of findings into reactor designs.
Set to conclude in 2027, the results of this research will not only contribute to NANO Nuclear's reactor development but may also have broader applications in clean energy, including industrial process heat and off-grid energy storage.
