Abstract:
A major part of the UK energy solution and commitment to decarbonisation is nuclear power. The development of actinide chemistry and the training of the next generation of nuclear scientists, is crucial to support both new nuclear build and legacy issues. In particular, the development of next generation fuels for smaller and more cost- effective reactors, fuel cycle closure via reprocessing and waste remediation are challenges, which need chemical input to find solutions.
The F-elements (lanthanides and actinides) have unique electronic, photophysical and magnetic properties and so find wide application in materials science. Magnetic materials containing lanthanide elements are a critical resource in low-carbon and renewable energy technologies e.g. the electric motors of hybrid cars and wind turbines.To ensure the sustainability of supply and develop future energy materials, there is a need for ‘bottom-up’ synthetic routes and better understanding of structure/property/function relationships.
Our experimental approach utilizes organometallic chemistry in combination with solid state and materials chemistry to fabricate and characterize nuclear and functional materials for low-carbon energy applications.