LLNL researchers characterize hydrogen-uranium corrosion

[Marlin]

https://www.ans.org/news/2026-05-29/article-8079/llnl-researchers-characterize-hydrogenuranium-corrosion/

[News Wire]

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers used white-light interferometry to map the early stages of hydrogen-uranium corrosion. The study identified that hydride blisters spread laterally across the surface rather than penetrating deeply into the metal. These findings provide data for developing predictive models to improve the durability of materials used in nuclear fuel storage and fusion energy systems.

A team of scientists from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has observed, imaged, and characterized the early stages of hydrogen-uranium corrosion for the first time, the lab announced recently.

Their findings, which were recently published in the journal Materials Degradation, could lead to the development of "more predictive and physically grounded" models for how uranium components degrade when exposed to hydrogen gas, according to LLNL. Such models, in turn, could lead to improved safety and durability for materials that are used in fusion energy generation, nuclear fuel storage, and hydrogen storage.

Read the full article at ans.org:
https://www.ans.org/news/2026-05-29/article-8079/llnl-researchers-characterize-hydrogenuranium-corrosion/