The Fuel
of the Future
Archangel Atomics is developing CARNISO (CARbon Nanostructure ISOtropic), a nanoscale fuel architecture concept for advanced nuclear reactors.
A nanoscale approach
to reactor fuel
TRISO (TRistructural-ISOtropic) fuel uses a coated particle architecture for advanced reactor designs. Compared to TRISO-based fuel approaches, CARNISO is a nanoscale architecture designed to be 1,000 times smaller and more temperature-stable.
The CARNISO Triad
CARNISO is designed to optimize cost, performance, and safety.
Cost
Reduces manufacturing costs relative to multi-layer coating processes.
This target requires validation through staged research and development (R&D).
Performance
Boosts performance under reactor-relevant conditions through nanoscale architecture.
Performance characteristics will be validated through testing.
Safety
Improves containment behavior under elevated temperature conditions.
Safety performance will be validated through staged testing.
TRISO vs. CARNISO
TRISO
- Microencapsulated fuel particle architecture
- Multi-layer protective coating approach
CARNISO
- Nanoscale fuel architecture concept
- Designed to change surface-area-to-volume behavior and thermal characteristics
- Subject to staged validation
- Trillion times smaller than TRISO
- More temperature-stable than TRISO
Where we are now
Archangel Atomics is in the pre-revenue, R&D stage:
Nanostructure samples have been synthesized and characterized via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
Fuel performance validation is in development.
Funding supports Phase I non-nuclear validation work.
Our origins and research
Born out of postdoctoral research at the University of Arizona, the Archangel Atomics technology draws from carbon nanostructure research.