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

1. Undergraduate student research: Interest Form.
2. Graduate students: the UC Berkeley Nuclear Engineering Ph.D. Program Application is due Dec. 15, 2022.
3. Postdoctoral positions open in the following areas: salt chemistry | materials | graphite | corrosion | electrochemistry. Please email Prof. Scarlat: scarlat@berkeley.edu
4. Lab tours and general inquiries about the work in the SALT group: Please email Maksim Pecherskiy | maksimp@berkeley.edu

Research Consortia

1. ​Bridging the gap between experiments and modeling to improve design of molten salt reactors NEUP IRP
2. Reduction, Mitigation, and Disposal Strategies for the Graphite Waste of High Temperature Reactors​ NEUP IRP
3. UPWARDS: Universal Performance Criteria and Canister for Advanced Reactor Waste Form Acceptance in Borehole and Mined Repositories Considering Design Safety
4. NSSC
5. FUTURE
6. Molten Salt Loop for the MIT Reactor NEUP IRP

Radio, Television, and Online Videos

1. 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.
2. Nuclear Technology: Opportunities and Hurdles in Research and Development. Wisconsin Public Radio, NRP. The Larry Meiller Show. October 8, 2018.
3. Designing the Next Generation of Nuclear Reactors. June 6, 2018. Wisconsin Public Television, PBS. University Place. 
4. Thermochemistry of Molten Salt Solutions. Thorium Energy Alliance Conference. August 21, 2017