Employees of the research center of Rosatom Chemistry (part of Rosatom's Fuel Division) have developed a unique technology for the production of lithium-7 fluoride (highly enriched stable lithium isotope) for use in molten salt reactors, the state corporation's press service reported.
The chemical compound is suitable as a coolant in new generation reactors. It dissolves uranium and thorium fluorides well and is considered effective and safe.
There is currently no industrial production of lithium-7 fluoride in Russia.
The technology from Rosatom Chemistry eliminates lithium losses and reduces the amount of fluorine-containing waste, which makes production environmentally friendly.
This is an important step in solving the ambitious industry task of creating molten salt reactors.
About molten salt reactors
A nuclear fission reactor in which the coolant is based on a mixture of molten salts is called a molten salt reactor. Rosatom specialists completed the first stage of work on the design of such a reactor in 2025. It will be built at the Mining and Chemical Combine in the Krasnoyarsk Territory.
Molten salt reactors are needed to afterburn radioactive components with a long half-life. Scientists believe that this will help reduce the amount of nuclear waste generated.
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