2D Solid State Hydrogen Isotope Separation Membranes for Fusion Fuel Cycles (Materials Strand Project)

Supervisors: Marcelo Lozada-Hidalgo & Phil Edmondson (University of Manchester), John McGrady & Paul Barron (Kyoto Fusioneering).

Abstract. Thousands of tons of hydrogen isotope mixtures are processed annually for heavy-water production and tritium decontamination^1-3. The existing technologies remain extremely energy intensive and require large capital investments^1-3. New approaches are needed to reduce the industry’s footprint. Recently, the applicant and colleagues demonstrated that one-atom-thick graphene membranes can separate protons from deuterons – nuclei of hydrogen isotopes – with a separation factor of »10 at ambient conditions^4,5. The energy consumption of protium-deuterium separation is projected to be orders of magnitude smaller with respect to existing technologies⁵. However, the application of this technology is hindered by its reliance on water-based electrolytes, which are incompatible with industry standards due to tritium retention. Using these membranes to separate the hydrogen isotopes in unburnt fusion fuel (deuterium and tritium) could reduce the amount of time taken to replenish tritium before it is injected back into the fusion core. This would result in a smaller on-site tritium inventory, improving safety, and less burden on other tritium separation technologies in the fuel cycle, improving efficiency.

Project description. The aim of this project is to demonstrate hydrogen isotope separation using a graphene membrane and solid-state proton conductors.  The proof-of-concept device is expected to be tested in Manchester with the potential to undertake development work in Kyoto Fusioneering, who are the sponsors of this project.

The successful candidate will join a group with funding from H2020, industry partners and the Royal Society. As part of the wider condensed matter group in Manchester, the student will join a vibrant and highly motivated research group investigating a vast range of properties in 2D materials: from quantum electron transport and optoelectronics to ionic conductors and water transport. The student will have the opportunity to do stays in Japan with Kyoto Fusioneering, using their state-of-the-art fuel cycle testing facilities.

The student will learn clean room fabrication and characterisation techniques such as AFM, SEM, precision electrical measurements and mass spectrometry. Beyond technical skills, the student will develop writing and communication skills. Our students have a track record of publishing in the top journals of our field, including Nature Nanotechnology and Nature Communications. Our students also regularly attend international conferences, like Graphene Week or European Materials Research Society Meetings. The student will also have the opportunity to attend courses in commercialisation and public engagement in events such as Blue Dot Festival.

1. Rae, H. K. Separation of Hydrogen Isotopes, Selecting Heavy Water Processes. (Am. Chem. Soc. 1978).
2. Vasaru, G. Tritium Isotope Separation. (CRC Press, 1993).
3. International Atomic Energy Agency. Handling of Tritium-Bearing Wastes, Tech. Rep. No. 203, (1981).
4. Lozada-Hidalgo, M. et al. Sieving hydrogen isotopes through two-dimensional crystals. Science 351, 68–70 (2016).
5. Lozada-Hidalgo, M. et al. Scalable and efficient separation of hydrogen isotopes using graphene-based electrochemical pumping. Nature Communication 18, 15215 (2017).

The project will be based mainly in Manchester. However, the student will have the opportunity to do an internship with Kyoto Fusioneering, who are sponsoring the project.

The project is offered by University of Manchester. For further information please contact: Dr. Marcelo Lozada-Hidalgo (marcelo.lozadahidalgo@manchester.ac.uk), Schuster Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL.

For details on how to apply, please visit: Apply