Preparation technologies and performance studies of tritium permeation barriers for future nuclear fusion reactors

Abstract Thermonuclear fusion reactor systems are fuelled by hydrogen isotopes. The hydrogen isotopes can easily permeate through structural materials because of small atomic radius, which may result in fuel loss and radioactive contamination. Therefore, controlling the permeation of hydrogen isotopes in a material is a key issue in tritium safety and protection. Tritium permeation barriers (TPBs) effectively inhibit the permeation of tritium fuel in structural materials and improve the tritium self-sustaining capacity of fusion reactors. Tritium permeation barriers have been extensively studied. In particular, ceramic coatings show better resistance compared with metals and glass and are considered highly promising tritium permeation barriers. This paper mainly summarizes the research progress on ceramic tritium permeation barrier preparation technologies at home and abroad and introduces the preparation methods of these barriers in pipe inner and outer walls. This paper also summarizes the applications of inorganic binders in tritium permeation barriers and provides future research prospects of this type of barrier.