'Trophy molecule' breakthrough may result in cleaner, cooler nuclear energy
Monday, July 2, 2012 - 11:31
in Physics & Chemistry
Experts have created a stable version of a ‘trophy molecule’ that has eluded scientists for decades. They have prepared a terminal uranium nitride compound which is stable at room temperature and can be stored in jars in crystallized or powder form. The breakthrough could have future implications for the nuclear energy industry — uranium nitride materials may potentially offer a viable alternative to the current mixed oxide nuclear fuels used in reactors since nitrides exhibit superior high densities, melting points, and thermal conductivities and the process the scientists used to make the compound could offer a cleaner, low temperature route than methods currently used.