X‐Ray Absorption Studies of Local Structure of Dilute Ionic Species in Molten Salts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Molten salts are crucial materials with exceptional properties that make them suitable for applications such as heat transfer media, coolants, and liquid fuels in molten salt nuclear reactors and the concentrated solar power industry. Understanding their properties requires unraveling the intricate mysteries of their structure. To achieve this, advanced characterization tools are essential. Among various techniques, X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) stands out as a versatile method capable of studying the structure of molten salts under in situ conditions. This review highlights recent advancements in the application of XAFS for investigating the local structure of molten salts, discusses its limitations and potential improvements, and explores complementary approaches such as simulations, machine learning, and correlative experimental methods.

Source: Chemistry - Methods

DOI: 10.1002/cmtd.202400097

Authors: Kaifeng Zheng, Nirmalendu Patra, Nicholas Marcella, Alexander S. Ivanov, James F. Wishart, Alejandro R. Ballesteros, Ruchi Gakhar, Sheng Dai, Santanu Roy, Vyacheslav Bryantsev, Simerjeet K. Gill, Anatoly I. Frenkel

Institutions: Stony Brook University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois System, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: X-ray Spectroscopy and Fluorescence Analysis

Subfield: Radiation

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,750

Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, Office of Science, Argonne National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory

OpenAlex ID: W4409449781