The nuclear reaction in a thorium molten salt reactor (TMSR) primarily involves the conversion of thorium-232 () into uranium-233 (), which undergoes fission to produce energy.
Key Nuclear Reactions
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Thorium Absorption and Conversion into Uranium-233:
232Th+1n→233Th(β− decay, half-life: 22 min)→233Pa(β− decay, half-life: 27 days)→233U
Thorium-232 captures a neutron and undergoes two beta decays to become uranium-233: -
Fission of Uranium-233:
233U+1n→Fission Products+2.5 (average) 1n+Energy (about 200 MeV)
The uranium-233 isotope then undergoes fission upon absorbing a thermal neutron, releasing energy, neutrons, and fission products:The released neutrons sustain the chain reaction, with some continuing the cycle by converting more thorium-232 into uranium-233.
Fission Products Example
The fission of uranium-233 can produce various fission fragments, such as:
Summary
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Fuel Cycle: → → Fission
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Output: Energy (~200 MeV per fission), neutrons (to sustain the reaction), and fission products.
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Advantage: Almost all thorium-232 can be converted into fuel, making the process highly efficient.
This cycle enables a self-sustaining, cleaner nuclear reaction with high fuel efficiency and lower long-lived radioactive waste.