. This heat is then used to run a turbine and generate electricity. The BB also has an essential function of fusion fuel breeding, creating a closed fuel cycle for the endless operation of the reactors without fuel depletion.
The operation of a BB at extremely high temperatures over 1173 K serves the attractive function of producing hydrogen from water, which is a promising technology for realizing a carbon-neutral society. This is possible because the BB heats up to over 1173 K by absorbing the energy from thereaction. At such temperatures, there is the risk of structural materials in contact with the BB becoming corroded, compromising the safety and stability of the reactors.
One type of BB currently being explored is the liquid metal BB. A promising candidate for such BBs is liquid lithium lead alloy. As candidates forcompatible with liquid LiPb at very high temperatures, a certain silicon carbide material, CVD-SiC, and an iron-chromium-aluminum alloy pre-oxidized in air are being explored. But information on this compatibility is lacking beyond temperatures of 973 K.
Now, a team of scientists from Tokyo Tech, QST and YNU, Japan, led by Professor Masatoshi Kondo from Tokyo Tech, have demonstrated compatibility at much higher temperatures. Their findings are published in