The SALT Research Group
SALT || Reactor Safety & InorgAnic Chemistry of Light Elements at High Temperature
We apply our research to fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactors (FHRs) and Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs), high-temperature gas cooled reactors (HTGRs), and tritium-breeding blankets for fusion systems. Our research includes safety analysis, licensing and design of nuclear reactors, and extends to engineering ethics.
Open positions and involvement with the group
- Undergraduate student research: Interest Form.
- Graduate students: the UC Berkeley Nuclear Engineering Ph.D. Program Application is due Dec. 15, 2022.
- Postdoctoral positions open in the following areas: salt chemistry | materials | graphite | corrosion | electrochemistry. Please email Prof. Scarlat: scarlat@berkeley.edu
- Lab tours and general inquiries about the work in the SALT group: Please email Maksim Pecherskiy | maksimp@berkeley.edu
Research Consortia
- Bridging the gap between experiments and modeling to improve design of molten salt reactors NEUP IRP
- Reduction, Mitigation, and Disposal Strategies for the Graphite Waste of High Temperature Reactors NEUP IRP
- UPWARDS: Universal Performance Criteria and Canister for Advanced Reactor Waste Form Acceptance in Borehole and Mined Repositories Considering Design Safety
- NSSC
- FUTURE
- Molten Salt Loop for the MIT Reactor NEUP IRP
Radio, Television, and Online Videos
- Molten-Salt and Salt-Cooled Nuclear Reactors: The Opportunities and Challenges Faced in Providing a Global Solution to Clean Energy. Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) Stanford University. October 31, 2019.
- Nuclear Technology: Opportunities and Hurdles in Research and Development. Wisconsin Public Radio, NRP. The Larry Meiller Show. October 8, 2018.
- Designing the Next Generation of Nuclear Reactors. June 6, 2018. Wisconsin Public Television, PBS. University Place.
- Thermochemistry of Molten Salt Solutions. Thorium Energy Alliance Conference. August 21, 2017