Research Progress on the Preparation and Recovery of Nuclear-Grade Zirconium Using Molten Salts

Nuclear-grade zirconium is a critical metallic material for nuclear power plants.It boasts a low neutron absorption cross-section and corrosion resistance that are far superior to those of ordinary commercial zirconium materials.With high economic value and vital strategic significance, it serves as a strategic reserve resource critical to national energy security.Consequently, the efficient and economical preparation and recovery of nuclear-grade zirconium have garnered increasing attention.Molten salt technology serves as a crucial pathway for the separation of zirconium and hafnium, the preparation of metallic zirconium, and the recycling of the used zirconium, offering advantages such as a simplified process and strong adaptability.This review outlines the key role of molten salts in the life cycle management of nuclear-grade zirconium, including the analysis and comparison of the application characteristics of different molten salt systems (fluoride, chloride, and fluorinechloride mixed salt systems) in the preparation and recovery of metallic zirconium.In addition, it focuses on systematically sorting out and summarizing the electroreduction behavior of zirconium ions in molten salts, aiming to promote the green metallurgy and recycling of nuclear-grade zirconium.