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May 27, 2026Open Nuclear EnergyOpen Access

Weapons-grade plutonium disposition in thermal-spectrum molten salt reactor

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Authors

KLKyra LawsonOCOndrej Chvala

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Overview

Randomized trial investigates plutonium disposition in thermal reactors, highlighting a promising alternative fueling pathway.

Key Points

  • This work explores the potential of using thermal-spectrum molten salt reactors for the safe disposition of surplus weapons-grade plutonium.
  • Evaluated neutronics, depletion, and refueling for 25 years using Serpent and NERTHUS reactor models.
  • Maintained criticality with continuous refueling of weapons-grade plutonium while limiting plutonium concentrations within solubility limits.
  • Implemented corrosion mitigation through continuous beryllium additions to maintain salt electroneutrality.
  • Continuous refueling depleted weapons-usable 239 Pu over time, with stable accumulation of other actinides at equilibrium.
  • Liquid-fueled MSRs showed a lower fissile mass requirement for criticality compared to HALEU configurations.
  • Accumulation of 249 Bk leads to significant long-term radiological concerns from 249 Cf and 245 Cm.

Cite This Study

Lawson et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a1689510c924ddd1bd580e2https://doi.org/10.1016/j.one.2026.100003
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