Prospects For A New Light Nuclei, Fission Fusion Energy Cycle

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel nuclear cycle combining lithium-6 fission, deuterium-tritium fusion, and lithium-7 fission, aiming for a waste-free, sustainable energy cycle suitable for advanced propulsion and power systems.

Contribution

It introduces a new light-element nuclear cycle that minimizes nuclear waste and leverages existing lithium and EV battery recycling industries.

Findings

Cycle produces stable byproducts, avoiding nuclear waste.

Potential activation of surrounding materials due to neutron flux.

Utilizes readily available lithium resources.

Abstract

Future advanced nuclear rocket propulsion, and the availability of new nuclear power cycle designs, will benefit substantially from the large current investment in alternative nuclear energy that is underway today. We propose a new nuclear cycle which includes the primary fission of lithium-6, followed by secondary fusion of deuterium and tritium, and a secondary fission of lithium-7 by tritium. This cycle does not produce nuclear waste from its nuclear fuel, since all byproducts of these cascade reactions are stable, provided that the triton production during the primary reaction is fully consumed in the secondary reactions. This cycle may, however, activate surrounding technical materials from its neutron flux. This light-element nuclear fuel is readily obtained through the ongoing expansion of the lithium mining industry and electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling industries.