Accelerators have played an important role in the development and application of nuclear science and technology for more than 60 years. Over the decades, the many different types of radiation produced by accelerators have been harnessed, developed and optimized to support the research and development needs of industry and academia. Accelerator-based methods can be subdivided into three main areas on the basis of what type of particle beams are used to probe the sample (energy related material) under study: ion/electron, X-ray or neutrons. Synchrotron radiation in particular has many unique properties which make it an indispensable tool in the investigation of matter in modern science, e.g. the continuous emission spectrum of emission, spatial coherence, temporal structure, high brightness, changeable polarization, etc. Complementary to synchrotron radiation are accelerator-based high-intensity neutron beams from spallation neutron sources, and heavy ion and electron beam accelerators, all of which are increasingly being utilized for real-time studies in a wide and diverse range of applications, including sustainable energy systems, protection of the environment or biology. The experimental techniques that use radiation as probe can be classified in three broad categories: spectroscopy, scattering and diffraction, and imaging, all of which can be effectively used for time resolved experiments which can bring new and important information about a variety of physical and chemical processes. The objective of this new Coordinated Research Project is to stimulate research and development as well as practical applications of accelerator-based real-time and in-situ techniques, specifically in energy related scientific topics, and to grow further interdisciplinary and international collaborations. Real-time material characterization using synchrotron radiation, neutron, ion and electron beams is recognized as a valuable tool to address research and technological questions concerning materials for energy-related applications. This can be addressed through a better understanding of the processes that degrade a material’s performance with use or by ageing. Such materials are essential for the development and successful deployment of next-generation energy sources that are crucial for the successful implementation of a CO2-reduced energy economy.
Application of accelerator based real-time and in-situ methods in the investigation of materials that are crucial for future nuclear energy technologies. This responds to recent demand among many Member States regarding cutting-edge research related to energy, applied physics and materials science. The project will help to build-up a knowledge base and lead to the harmonisation of testing methodologies. The objective of the project 1.4.3.1 (NAPC) under which the CRP is being proposed is: To increase the capacity of Member States to utilize frontline accelerator based methods in order to support their research and development needs to stimulate exchange of information and best practice and to contribute to international consensus in the R&D efforts related to the energy storage and conversion.
Contribution to the solution of pending research and/or technological issues through the effective application of real-time and/or in-situ accelerator based methods
Development of a knowledge base with recommendations for the specific real-time and in-situ characterization of materials (including methodology and test matrix)
Enhancement of international collaboration and capacity building in the application of real-time and in-situ nuclear techniques, specifically for the investigation and characterisation of materials.
Harmonisation of methodology for the benchmarking of the achieved experimental results in the area of materials for energy applications (solar cells, energy storage and radiation resistant materials for application in the nuclear industry).
Identification and selection of specific research issues related to energy storage and conversion in order to promote accelerator based techniques and their added value
Contribution to the solution of pending research and/or technological issues through the effective application of real-time and/or in-situ accelerator based methods
Development of a knowledge base with recommendations for the specific real-time and in-situ characterization of materials (including methodology and test matrix)
Enhancement of international collaboration and capacity building in the application of real-time and in-situ nuclear techniques, specifically for the investigation and characterisation of materials.
Harmonisation of methodology for the benchmarking of the achieved experimental results in the area of materials for energy applications (solar cells, energy storage and radiation resistant materials for application in the nuclear industry).
Identification and selection of specific research issues related to energy storage and conversion in order to promote accelerator based techniques and their added value
This CRP collaboration had a significant impact on the below aspects:
• Research output-The results achieved during this CRP cover a broad range of fabrication and characterization of materials related to energy, such as the radiation hardness of Zr- and Ni-based alloys and multi-layered ceramic coatings, the study of lifetime and efficiency of polymer-based novel materials for solid oxide fuel cells, examination of anti-reflection coatings for increase the efficiency of Si-based solar cells, study of the key performance indicators in TiO2 photocatalytic material, characterization of Pb-Bi alloy for liquid metal cooling of fast neutron reactors.
• Capability and capacity enhancement-Several participants to the CRP (CMAM, NECSA, IAP-NASU, JINR and NOAR-ESRF) used this opportunity to enhance their capabilities and expand on their capacity to investigate energy-related materials. This increased capability and capacity will be accessed by the wider scientific community through the open access process (e.g Elettra, ANSTO, NOAR-ESRF, JINR).
• Educational aspects – CRP participation provided the ability to involve student (Masters and PhD) and young ‘early career’ scientists. Funding for attending conferences, workshops, as well as performing analysis at other participant’s laboratory facilities was partially provided through this CRP.
• Greater collaboration - CRP involvement provided opportunity to expand/establish new international networks from which collaborations (both within and outside of this CRP) have been formed.
• Increased knowledge –A number of participants cited that involvement in this CRP provided them specifically with new knowledge on available accelerator-based complimentary techniques they were previously unaware of.
The work implemented within this CRP and results achieved are fully relevant to the IAEA programme as:
1) Utilization and further development of nuclear techniques (using ions, x-rays, neutrons and electrons) both for irradiation and analysis;
2) Improved understanding of material modification and radiation damage;
3) Investigation of energy related materials for energy production and energy storage;
4) Networking and knowledge transfer.