Molten salt chemistry and technologies

• Explain the physicochemical and thermochemical properties of molten salts
• Analyze thermodynamic and phase equilibria of molten salt systems
• Understand redox behavior and electrochemical stability of materials and their applications
• Describe techniques for handling and characterizing molten salts and related materials
• Evaluate mechanisms of material corrosion and degradation in molten salts
• Assess impact of radiation on molten salt chemistry, particularly in nuclear applications
• Examine roles of molten salts in reactors, fuel processing and other energy technologies
• Discuss molten salt applications in heat storage, batteries, and metal recycling
• Explore emerging research areas and technological advancements involving molten salts

The course consists of three modules: (1) fundamentals of molten salts, (2) energy conversion and storage technologies involving molten salts, and (3) nuclear energy technologies based on molten salts as liquid fuels, coolants, and reprocessing media.

The course will start by introduction of chemistry, electrochemistry, and materials science of molten salts. Relevant molten salt technologies will be presented with respect to design, operation, principles, challenges, and sustainable perspectives, including nuclear reactors, fuel cells, batteries, thermal storage, and novel power-to-x processes.

The course content is crossdisciplinary, engineering orientated, and fitting wide backgrounds of students.

• 36 – 49 (Thurs 13-17)

Basic familiarity with thermodynamics, inorganic chemistry and materials sciences is preferred, e.g., 10080, 26001, 26201, 47202.

Lectures, class discussions, problem solving.
Guest lecturers from industry will be arranged from year to year.

Minimum: 10.

Please be aware that this course will only be held if the required minimum number of participants is met. You will be informed 8 days before the start of the course, whether the course will be held.