Yttrium Hydride Properties and Nuclear Applications
Summary
Yttrium hydride (YHx) is valued in nuclear science for its high hydrogen density, thermal stability and capacity to retain hydrogen at elevated temperatures. Its face-centred cubic structure enables efficient neutron moderation by scattering fast neutrons to thermal energies, enhancing the neutron economy of reactor cores. Variations in stoichiometry (x≈1.6–2.0) afford control over lattice parameters, phase composition and mechanical properties, making yttrium hydride adaptable to a range of reactor designs, from compact microreactors to high-temperature systems. Beyond moderating function, yttrium hydride exhibits intriguing electronic and optical characteristics that have spurred interest in advanced reactor diagnostics. Recent efforts have focused on fabrication methods, irradiation performance, thermophysical characterisation and compatibility with structural materials. Collectively, these studies aim to qualify YHx for deployment in low-enriched-uranium reactors that uphold non-proliferation goals and in space or micro-power systems where mass, stability and safety are paramount.
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Yttrium Hydride Properties and Nuclear Applications publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in yttrium hydride properties and nuclear applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Yttrium hydride (YHx): A compound of yttrium and hydrogen where x denotes hydrogen content, commonly used as a solid-state neutron moderator.
Neutron moderator: A material that slows down fast neutrons by scattering, improving the efficiency of nuclear fission reactions.
Stoichiometry: The ratio of elements in a compound, here describing the hydrogen-to-yttrium ratio in YH2−x phases.
Thermal neutron scattering law: A formalism describing interactions between thermal neutrons and bound atoms, essential for accurate reactor transport calculations.
References
- A thermal neutron scattering law for yttrium hydride. EPJ Web of Conferences (2017).
- Advancements in Yttrium Hydride Moderator Development. Nuclear Technology (2022).
- A Modeling and Neutron Diffraction Study of the High Temperature Properties of Sub-Stoichiometric Yttrium Hydride for Novel Moderator Applications. Metals (2022).
- Investigation of High-Temperature Compatibility of Select Oxides with Yttrium Hydride for Micro and Space Reactor Applications. Nuclear Technology (2025).
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