Core Viewpoint - NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. has launched a significant irradiation testing program in collaboration with MIT to study the behavior of nitrate molten salts under radiation, which is crucial for the development of next-generation nuclear reactors [1][3][5] Group 1: Collaboration and Research Focus - The two-year collaboration with MIT will investigate the thermal and radiolytic behavior of nitrate molten salts for advanced nuclear energy systems [1][3] - The research is funded by NANO Nuclear with over $500,000 and will be supervised by Prof. Koroush Shirvan, a leading expert in nuclear systems engineering [2][3] - The study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the performance of molten salts under ionizing radiation, which is essential for nuclear environments [3][4] Group 2: Research Methodology and Expected Outcomes - MIT researchers will utilize advanced diagnostics to measure off-gassing behavior, thermal degradation, and long-term material stability of the salts [4][5] - The results will directly inform the design of microreactors that use molten salts for heat transfer and energy storage, enhancing safety and performance models [4][5] - The project is expected to conclude in 2027, with quarterly updates and final data delivery coordinated between MIT and NANO Nuclear [6] Group 3: Company Overview and Future Directions - NANO Nuclear is focused on becoming a diversified and vertically integrated company across five business lines, including microreactor technologies and nuclear fuel fabrication [7] - The company is developing several advanced reactor products, including the KRONOS MMR Energy System and the portable LOKI MMR [8][9] - NANO Nuclear's subsidiaries are also exploring commercial applications of micronuclear reactor technology in space and developing a domestic HALEU fuel fabrication pipeline [10][11][12]
NANO Nuclear and MIT’s Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering Launch Advanced Irradiation Study to Investigate Salt-Based Thermal Storage for Nuclear Applications