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DOE OSTI2025

An AI-accelerated pathway for reproducible and stable halide perovskites

Halide perovskites (HPs) have remarkable optoelectronic properties, and in the last decade their photovoltaic power conversion efficiency and light-emitting diode efficiency have skyrocketed. Despite the surge in research on these burgeoning materials, two key challenges in the field remain: material irreproducibility and instability. Their behavior is especially dynamic in response to environmental stressors, due to complex interactions with the perovskite crystal lattice. Here, in this review, we survey the latest achievements in HP materials research accomplished with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), through the implementation of automated experimentation and machine learning (ML) data analysis. Automated synthesis and characterization tackle problems with material irreproducibility by systematically controlling parameters with very high precision, creating massive datasets, and allowing methodical comparisons from which unbiased conclusions can be drawn. AI can reveal otherwise unnoticed trends, inform future experiments with the highest potential information gain, and forecast future performance. The review concludes with a forward viewpoint of how human-assisted closed-loop laboratories and shared databases allow halide perovskite materials’ processing, properties, and performance to be potentially optimized with AI, accelerating the development of highly reproducible and stable optoelectronic devices.

Hering, Abigail R. [Univ. of California, Davis, CA↗

DOE OSTI2021

Location and characterization of heterogeneous phases within Mary Rose wood

Preserving the Mary Rose oak hull for future generations is a major challenge due to the highly heterogeneous nature of waterlogged wooden artifacts, which contain polycrystalline, amorphous, and nanostructured materials that test traditional characterization methods. Effective conservation requires detailed knowledge of the distribution and chemical nature of these species to develop strategies for preventing multiple chemo-mechanical degradation pathways. Here, we apply synchrotron-based computed tomography total scattering methods to the Mary Rose keelson wood that provides valuable position-resolved structural information on multiple embedded species of different length and concentration scales. We identify 5 nm zinc sulfide nanoparticles in the wood, presumably deposits from bacteria operating on the sulfur energy cycle under the anaerobic conditions on the seabed. These are identified as precursors to acid attack on the wood upon removal to an aerobic environment. These insights inform not only next-generation conservation strategies, but also the efficacy and unforeseen issues of previous treatments.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2022

Synthesis and Characterization of Magnesium Vanadates as Potential Magnesium‐Ion Cathode Materials through an Ab Initio Guided Carbothermal Reduction Approach**

Abstract Many technologically relevant materials for advanced energy storage and catalysis feature reduced transition‐metal (TM) oxides that are often nontrivial to prepare because of the need to control the reducing nature of the atmosphere in which they are synthesized. Herein, we show that an ab initio predictive synthesis strategy can be used to produce multi‐gram‐scale products of various MgV x O y ‐type phases (δ‐MgV 2 O 5 , spinel MgV 2 O 4 , and MgVO 3 ) containing V 3+ or V 4+ relevant for Mg‐ion battery cathodes. Characterization of these phases using 25 Mg solid‐state NMR spectroscopy illustrates the potential of 25 Mg NMR for studying reversible magnesiation and local charge distributions. Rotor‐assisted population transfer (RAPT) is used as a much‐needed signal‐to‐noise enhancement technique. The ab initio guided synthesis method is seen as a step forward towards a predictive synthesis strategy for targeting specific complex TM oxides with variable oxidation states of technological importance.

Lee, Jeongjae↗

DOE OSTI2024

Magnetic functionalization and catalytic behavior of magnetic nanoparticles during laser photochemical graphitization of polyimide

We report laser-assisted photochemical graphitization of polyimides (PIs) into functional magnetic nanocomposites using laser irradiation of PI in the presence of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs). PI Kapton sheets covered with MNP were photochemically treated under ambient conditions using a picosecond pulsed laser (1064 nm) to obtain an electrically conductive material. Scanning electron microscopy of the treated material revealed a layered magnetic nanoparticle/graphite (MNP/graphite) nanocomposite structure. Four probe conductivity measurements indicated that the nanocomposite has an electrical conductivity of 1550 ± 60 S/m. Superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer-based magnetic characterization of the treated material revealed an anisotropic ferromagnetic response in the MNP/graphite nanocomposite compared to the isotropic response of MNP. Raman spectroscopy of the MNP/graphite nanocomposite revealed a fourfold improvement in graphitization, suppression in disorder, and decreased nitrogenous impurities compared to the graphitic material obtained from laser treatment of just PI sheets. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were used to delineate the phase transformations of MNP during the formation of MNP/graphite nanocomposite. Post-mortem characterization indicates a possible photocatalytic effect of MNP during MNP/graphite nanocomposite formation. Under laser irradiation, MNP transformed from the initial Fe 3 O 4 phase to γ-Fe 2 O 3 and Fe 5 C 2 phases and acted as nucleation spots to catalyze the graphitization process of PI.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2020

Improved Performance of Cu(InGa)(SeS) 2 PV Modules Using the Reaction of Metal Precursors. Final Report

This project “Improved Performance of Cu(InGa)(SeS) 2 PV Modules using the Reaction of Metal Precursors” was a partnership led by the Institute of Energy Conversion (IEC) at the University of Delaware with Columbia University and the Molecular Foundry at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The aim was to develop pathways to improve Cu(InGa)(SeS) 2 (CIGSS) thin film photovoltaic modules using processes compatible with low manufacturing cost. The CIGSS approach investigated was a two-step process including deposition of metal precursor films following by reaction in hydride gases utilizing IEC’s novel reactor. The process was similar to that under commercial development by the project’s industry partner Stion. When Stion went out of business mid-project the focus changed to a rapid thermal process considered more commercially viable. Approaches to improve the performance of solar cells using the reacted films focused on two material innovations. First, the overall Ga content was increased to increase the operating voltage, which is desirable for scale-up to commercial modules. Second, the processing and performance advantages arising from Ag alloying were investigated. Advanced characterization guided process and material development including control of relative composition gradients. Research on the formation of Cu-Ga-In metal precursors utilized sputtering deposition which is normally used in commercial applications. The work resulted in processes for deposition of precursor stacks with increased relative Ga content and effects of deposition parameters on morphology and phase composition were established. It was shown that the metal precursor films have comparable phase composition and morphology so subsequent reaction follows from the same starting point. The addition of Ag to the metal precursors gave more uniform morphology and improved adhesion of reacted films which enable higher reaction temperature for faster processing. A novel outcome was the discovery of a previously undocumented material phase in sputter-deposited and evaporated Ag-Cu-In-Ga thin films. Hydride gas reaction processes including time-temperature-concentration profiles were developed for different precursor compositions. This enables control of composition profiles to engineer through-film gradients for solar cell optimization with characterization and simulations used to correlate measured film composition profiles to measurements of devices. In particular, the gradient of sulfur at the front of the CIGSS film was found to be critical. The simulations guided process development leading to improved reproducibility of devices improved performance with higher Ga content and higher voltage. With Ag-alloyed precursors, the reaction pathways leading were determined. A significant finding was that Ag-alloying increases the reaction rate to completely convert precursor films to the final chalcopyrite which could enable reduced reaction time to benefit manufacturability. To maintain potential commercial viability, the process under investigation was refocused to a rapid thermal process that could potentially be incorporated into an in-line process for manufacturing. Precursors with different composition were capped with an extra selenium layer and reacted in hydrogen sulfide 5-15 minutes, compared to typically 2 hours in the previous multi-step batch process. Critical RTP parameters were identified to control the reaction. Further optimization would be needed for high efficiency solar cells but pathways to high quality devices with further optimization and improved heating uniformity were developed. The project also developed new optoelectronic characterization approaches with a focus on development and application of spatial- and time-resolved photoluminescence and a custom mapping photoluminescence microscope built. It was shown how critical electronic transport properties strongly depend on the chemical composition of the material and that a wide range of samples show inhomogeneity on a length scale larger than the grains in the films. Additionally, two-photon excitation capability was developed to distinguish bulk vs surface losses. The project advances the state-of-the -art for precursor reaction processes in several ways that could impact manufacturing. This includes validation of approaches to increase voltage and establishment of model-guided control to form optimal composition profiles. The application of process control approaches with knowledge of phase formation and reaction pathways can be critically valuable in designing a large-scale process.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2022

Relation between interfacial shear and friction force in 2D materials

Understanding the interfacial properties between an atomic layer and its substrate is of key interest at both the fundamental and technological levels. From Fermi level pinning to strain engineering and superlubricity, the interaction between a single atomic layer and its substrate governs electronic, mechanical and chemical properties. Here, we measure the hardly accessible interfacial transverse shear modulus of an atomic layer on a substrate. By performing measurements on bulk graphite, and on epitaxial graphene films on SiC with different stacking orders and twisting, as well as in the presence of intercalated hydrogen, we find that the interfacial transverse shear modulus is critically controlled by the stacking order and the atomic layer–substrate interaction. Importantly, we demonstrate that this modulus is a pivotal measurable property to control and predict sliding friction in supported two-dimensional materials. The experiments demonstrate a reciprocal relationship between friction force per unit contact area and interfacial shear modulus. As a result, the same relationship emerges from simulations with simple friction models, where the atomic layer– substrate interaction controls the shear stiffness and therefore the resulting friction dissipation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Recent Advances and Prospects in Design of Hydrogen Permeation Barrier Materials for Energy Applications—A Review

The hydrogen infrastructure involves hydrogen production, storage and delivery for utilization with clean energy applications. Hydrogen ingress into structural materials can be detrimental due to corrosion and embrittlement. To enable safe operation in applications that need protection from hydrogen isotopes, this review article summarizes most recent advances in materials design and performance characterization of barrier coatings to prevent hydrogen isotopes’ absorption ingress and permeation. Barriers are crucial to prevent hydride formation and unwanted hydrogen effects to increase safety, materials’ lifetime and reduce cost for applications within nuclear and renewable energy. The coating may be applied on a material that requires protection from hydrogen pick-up, transport and hydride formation in hydrogen storage containers, in pipelines, spent nuclear fuel storage or in nuclear reactors. While existing, commercial coatings that have been much in use may be satisfactory for various applications, it is desirable to evaluate whether alternative coating concepts can provide a greater resistance to hydrogen isotope permeation along with other improved properties, such as mechanical strength and thermal resistance. The information presented here is focusing on recent findings within the past 5–7 years of promising hydrogen barriers including oxides, nitrides, carbon, carbide, MAX-phases and metals and their mechanical strength, hydrogen pick-up, radiation resistance and coating manufacturing techniques. A brief introduction to hydrogen permeation is provided. Knowledge gaps were identified to provide guidance for material’s research prospects.

08 HYDROGEN↗

DOE OSTI2025

Differential absorption of circularly polarized light by a centrosymmetric crystal

Crystalline solids are governed by universal structure-property relationships derived from their crystal symmetry, leading to paradigmatic rules on what properties they can and cannot exhibit. A long-held structure-property relationship is that centrosymmetric crystals cannot differentially absorb circularly polarized light. In this study, we demonstrate the design, synthesis, and characterization of the centrosymmetric material Li 2 Co 3 (SeO 3 ) 4 , which violates this relationship not by defying symmetry-imposed selection rules but by invoking a photophysical process not previously characterized for crystalline solids. This process originates from an interference between linear dichroism and linear birefringence, referred to as LD-LB, and involves strong chiroptical signals that invert upon sample flipping. Here, in addition to enabling a chiroptical response under centrosymmetry, this process opens up photonic engineering opportunities based on crystalline solids.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2024

Synthesis and characterization of photo-cross-linkable quince seed-based hydrogels for soft tissue engineering applications

The convenience, versatility, and biocompatibility of photocrosslinkable hydrogel precursors make them promising candidates for developing tissue engineering scaffolds. However, the current library of photosensitive materials is limited. This study reports, for the first time, the modification of quince seed mucilage (QS) with glycidyl methacrylate (GM), resulting in the synthesis of methacrylated QS (QSGM). The chemical composition and structure of QS were analyzed. The effects of reaction time, temperature, QS concentration, and GM/QS ratio on the degree of methacrylation, as well as the physicochemical, rheological, mechanical, and biological properties of the synthesized materials were explored. Chemical characterization using 1H NMR and FTIR confirmed the successful methacrylation of QS. Hydrogels fabricated from QSGMs at a 0.5 wt% concentration exhibited high swelling ratios of 320 to 580 g/g, and compressive strengths between 0.6 ± 0.1 and 1.2 ± 0.3 kPa. No significant changes in the rheological properties of hydrogel precursors were observed. Moreover, QSGM-based hydrogels supported cell encapsulation for 14 days with minimal cytotoxicity and immune cell activation. Finally, as a proof of concept, the potential use of QSGM for 3D printing was demonstrated. Overall, the results highlight the significant potential of QSGMs as a biomaterial of choice for soft tissue engineering applications.

3D printing↗

DOE OSTI2025

Revealing the Crystalline Architecture of Semicrystalline Ion Exchange Membranes for the Design of Conductive and Durable Alkaline Anion Exchange Membranes

Alkaline anion exchange membrane (AAEM) fuel cells offer a cost-effective alternative to proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells by eliminating the need for expensive precious metal catalysts. In both PEMs and AAEMs, semicrystalline polymers are a common choice, as the crystalline domains can act as mechanical reinforcements that limit swelling and promote mechanical durability in the material. However, spatially resolved characterization of crystalline organization in ion exchange membranes beyond ensemble-averaged X-ray scattering is underrepresented, likely in part due to ionization damage limitations in soft materials. Here, in this study, we resolve the nanometer-size crystallites in semicrystalline ion exchange membranes by applying cryogenic four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (cryo-4D-STEM) along with data-processing algorithms designed to optimize signals at a low dose to minimize radiation damage. We investigate the effects of synthesis components, including molecular weight and thermal treatment, on a model system of AAEMs in comparison to Nafion, the most commonly used and commercially successful PEM today. We find that excess water uptake in polymer membranes, a property directly associated with weak mechanical durability and with possible negative impacts on ion conductivity, can be reduced by over 30% by varying the polymer's crystalline morphology through changes in synthesis parameters such as molecular weight and thermal history. Our results indicate that this improvement is correlated with smaller crystalline domains with a more homogeneous distribution. More broadly, these results demonstrate how the crystalline architecture of polymer membranes can be tuned through their chemistry and thermal treatment in order to improve their conductivity and durability for commercial fuel cell performance.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2023

Shock state distributions in porous tantalum and characterization with multipoint velocimetry

Heterogenous materials under shock compression can be expected to reach different shock states throughout the material according to local differences in microstructure and the history of wave propagation. Here, in this work, a compact, multiple-beam focusing optic assembly is used with high-speed velocimetry to interrogate the shock response of porous tantalum films prepared through thermal-spray deposition. The distribution of particle velocities across a shocked interface is compared to results obtained using a set of defocused interferometric beams that sampled the shock response over larger areas. The two methods produced velocity distributions along the shock plateau with the same mean, while a larger variance was measured with narrower beams. The finding was replicated using three-dimensional, mesoscopically resolved hydrodynamics simulations of solid tantalum with a pore structure mimicking statistical attributes of the material and accounting for radial divergence of the beams, with agreement across several impact velocities. Accounting for pore morphology in the simulations was found to be necessary for replicating the rise time of the shock plateau. The validated simulations were then used to show that while the average velocity along the shock plateau could be determined accurately with only a few interferometric beams, accurately determining the width of the velocity distribution, which here was approximately Gaussian, required a beam dimension much smaller than the spatial correlation lengthscale of the velocity field, here by a factor of ∼30×, with implications for the study of other porous materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2025

Super-resolution imaging reveals resistance to mass transfer in functionalized stationary phases

Chemical separations are costly in terms of energy, time, and money. Separation methods are optimized with inefficient trial-and-error approaches that lack insight into the molecular dynamics that lead to the success or failure of a separation and, hence, ways to improve the process. We perform super-resolution imaging of fluorescent analytes in five different commercial liquid chromatography materials. Unexpectedly, we observe that chemical functionalization can block more than 50% of the material’s porous interior, rendering it inaccessible to small-molecule analytes. Only in situ imaging unveils the inaccessibility when compared to the industry-accepted ex situ characterization methods. Selectively removing some of the functionalization with solvent restores pore access without substantially altering the single-molecule kinetics that underlie the separation and agree with bulk chromatography measurements. Our molecular results determine that commercial “fully porous” stationary phases are over-functionalized and provide an alternative avenue to characterize and direct separation material design from the bottom-up.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

DOE OSTI2022

Analysis in Support of Disposition of Tank 48 Legacy Material

This report contains the characterization of six 200-mL Tank 48H samples: HTF-48-21-74, HTF-48-21-75, HTF-48-21-76, HTF-48-21-81, HTF-48-21-82, and HTF-48-21-83. The effort supports a Systems Engineering Evaluation (SEE) recommendation involving a Tank 48H decantation strategy that would remove liquid volume and grout the solids. The first three Tank 48H samples were surface samples taken after a quiescent period in the tank. The quiescent period allowed settling of the solids, these being mostly potassium tetraphenylborate. These three surface samples had no measurable solids, though a settling haze could be seen. The latter three samples were taken at 48, 25, and 10 inches from the bottom of Tank 48H immediately after tank mixing pumps had been run. Those samples contained measurable insoluble solids that were readily visible. All six samples were analyzed to provide chemical and radionuclide concentrations as defined as the "Limit" and "Target" in the Saltstone Production Facility (SPF) Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) and per the compliance strategy in the Tank Farm Waste Compliance Plan (WCP). Samples were analyzed by many methods to determine pH, density/specific gravity, radioactive isotopes, soluble and insoluble elements, total solids, total insoluble solids, organic and inorganic mercury, volatile and semi-volatile chemicals, and anions. Photographs of the settling of small samples were taken over time and are displayed in this report. The extent of settling was very significant, showing that surface sample liquids are similar to filtrates. However, Cs-137 measurements exceeded WAC limits in all surface samples (1.1E+07 vs. 1.3E+06). The solids were found to contain very high cesium activity, measured as high as 1.1E+10 dpm/gram. Sodium was in the range of 4.24 to 4.74 M for all samples, so the solids would tend to settle with time and would not be at risk of floating without air entrainment. No organic mercury was detected in this work.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2022

Analysis in Support of Disposition of Tank 48 Legacy Material

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2026

Mechanical Behavior of Neutron Irradiated Refractory Multi-Principal Element Alloys Processed via Spark Plasma Sintering

The search for advanced materials capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of Generation IV reactors is a critical area in materials science research. These reactors operate under severe environments, including high temperatures, corrosion, stress, and irradiation damage. Consequently, there is a need for innovative alloy systems to ensure the reliability and longevity of proposed Generation IV reactor components. Refractory multi-principal-element alloys (RMPEA) have emerged as a promising candidate due to their exceptional properties. These alloys, characterized by their composition of multiple principal elements in near-equiatomic ratios, exhibit superior resistance to irradiation damage, reduced void swelling, enhanced microstructural stability, and minimal irradiation-induced hardening. While initial studies on RMPEAs have shown promising results, most research has been limited to thin films, nanocrystalline microstructures, and ion irradiation, which do not accurately represent the behavior of bulk materials. To address this gap, our research focused on the neutron irradiation of bulk RMPEAs. We aim to conduct comprehensive post-irradiation examinations (PIE) of RMPEAs irradiated at the Advanced Test Reactor at Idaho National Laboratory. The RMPEAs were synthesized using spark plasma sintering (SPS) with mechanically alloyed metallurgical powder. The RMPEA specimens are a MoNbTi alloy system with additions of -Zr, and -ZrV. Furthermore, PIE consisted of mechanical testing and advanced materials characterization. The mechanical testing consisted of sub-sized tensile testing, micro- and nano- indentation. Microstructural characterization included scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Mechanical testing coupled with advanced microscopy techniques provides insight into phase morphology and its effects on the mechanical properties of the RMPEA specimens. The results indicate that both pristine and irradiated RMPEA specimens exhibited brittle behavior during tensile testing, which can be attributed to their heterogeneous microstructure. The SPS manufacturing process did not include any post treatment, which resulted in a heterogeneous microstructure. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed the presence of intermetallic such as laves phases within the microstructure. Specifically, Ti-rich precipitates were observed in the MoNbTi specimen, while Mo-rich precipitates were found in the MoNbTiZrV specimen. Nano-hardness testing of pristine samples showed that the laves phases exhibited higher hardness values compared to the matrix phase, suggesting that precipitate hardening is likely the dominant hardening mechanism in these specimens. The results from this work will be used to build a finite element model to predict mechanical behavior of future MPEA compositions. Thus, enabling for a streamlined approach to developing novel MPEAs for the nuclear industry.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2021

Design and Optimization of the Direct Recycling of Spent Li-Ion Battery Cathode Materials

Direct regeneration of spent Li-ion batteries based on the hydrothermal relithiation of cathode materials is a promising next-generation recycling technology. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach at a large scale, we systematically design and optimize the process parameters to minimize both energy and raw material costs. Specifically, the effects of regenerative processing parameters on the composition, structure, and electrochemical performance of the regenerated cathode materials are investigated via systematic characterization and testing. From this analysis, it was found that the raw material costs can be substantially reduced by either replacing the typically employed 4 M LiOH solution by a cost-effective mixture of 0.1 M LiOH and 3.9 M KOH or recycling of the concentrated 4 M LiOH for continuous relithiation processes. Finally, life cycle analysis suggests that this strategy results in reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, leading to an increased potential revenue, particularly when compared with hydro- and pyrometallurgical recycling methods.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2021

The Effect of Material Properties on Oxygen Evolution Activity and Assessing Half-Cell Screening as a Predictive Tool in Electrolysis

Iridium-based oxygen evolution catalysts are screened in this study for activity and stability with rotating disk electrode (RDE) half-cells. This study focuses on the electrochemical and materials approaches needed to characterize oxygen evolution catalysts, and include testing for activity, stability, composition, oxide content, and structure. Findings also discuss recommendations for data interpretation and detail the difficulties of comparing catalysts across materials sets with different elemental and oxide compositions, and linking RDE activity to device-level performance. The materials evaluated are a mixture of oxides and metals, and several methods are used to quantify metal content, qualitatively assess oxide content, and determine total surface area. Oxygen evolution activities and stabilities are compared, where a wide range of results are reported. In general, higher RDE performances are found for catalysts that contained larger amounts of ruthenium and metals. Higher durability, however, is found for catalysts that only contained iridium and a higher proportion of oxides. Additionally, catalysts are evaluated for performance in membrane electrode assemblies to assess RDE as a predictive tool in electrolysis. While activity trends within individual material sets generally held between ex- and in-situ testing, RDE tends to overestimate the activity of more metallic catalysts when compared to device-level performance. These results stress the need for multiple metal/oxide baselines for mixed catalysts, to better project in-situ kinetics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2020

Dilute and Dispose Cost Estimate for Equipment Installation per the LCCE

As directed in the Consolidation Appropriations Act, 2016, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) initiated the preconceptual design and development of a Lifecycle Cost Estimate for the Surplus Plutonium Disposition (SPD) Dilute and Dispose Program. Based on August 2016 Program Requirements Document and subsequent supplemental guidance, LANL prepared the Lifecycle Cost Estimate under key assumptions that meet the program’s requirements. For Dilute and Dispose, the program would disposition surplus Pu by diluting oxide produced at LANL with inhibitor materials, packaging the materials in containers, and shipping the containers to a deep geologic repository for permanent disposal. The base assumption is that LANL would disassemble pits, convert the Pu metal to oxide, and characterize and package the material for shipment to SRS, where it would be diluted prior to geologic disposal at the WIPP site in New Mexico. Another major assumption for the Dilute and Dispose option is that LANL would increase the current oxide production rate (or throughput) to 1500 kg/year, 5 times higher than the maximum annual production of ~300 Kgs executed by the ARIES Oxide Production Program at LANL. Analysis based on the ARIES program’s throughput model revealed that 15 pieces of equipment would need to be installed within PF-4 and certain facility improvements would need to be accomplished in order to meet the desired throughput levels. The additional equipment would be essentially identical to equipment already used within PF-4 for existing operations.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗