Molten Salt Reactors: Innovations and Challenges in Nuclear Energy
A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "B4: Nuclear Energy".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2025 | Viewed by 132
Special Issue Editors
Interests: molten salt reactor; small modular reactor; nuclear energy; nuclear fuel
Interests: numerical analysis and simulation of nuclear reactors; design of advanced nuclear reactors
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Molten salt reactors (MSRs), as the only candidate adaptable to liquid fuel among Generation IV nuclear systems, have gained significant global attention for their exceptional potential thanks to their high thermal efficiency, inherent safety, fuel cycle flexibility, and distinguished flexibility. Their unique design, utilizing liquid fuel salts and passive safety mechanisms, positions them as a transformative solution for sustainable and low-carbon energy. The international communities have prioritized MSR research and development to address fundamental technical challenges, optimize principal design characteristics, and accelerate their commercialization.
This Special Issue aims to showcase cutting-edge research and advancements in relation to MSR technologies, focusing on innovative designs and critical challenges. We encourage submissions that highlight breakthroughs in theoretical, computational, and experimental methodologies, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to advance the investigation, realization, and demonstration of MSRs.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Innovative MSR concepts and designs (e.g., small modular MSRs);
- Multi-physics coupling computational methods for MSR systems;
- Code development for neutronics, thermal–hydraulics, and safety analysis;
- Artificial intelligence in MSR modeling, optimization, and predictive maintenance;
- Advanced fuel cycle strategies and techniques (e.g., thorium–uranium cycles);
- Materials development for MSR environments (e.g., corrosion resistance and irradiation tolerance);
- Source term evaluation and radiation shielding solutions in MSRs;
- Key MSR components development—heat exchangers, pumps, valves, and instrumentation (e.g., flow meters);
- Other challenges in MSR design, licensing, and commercialization.
We cordially invite researchers and engineers worldwide to submit original research articles, reviews, or communications that address these themes. Your contributions will advance the global knowledge base and support the realization of MSRs as a cornerstone of future clean energy systems.
Dr. Wei Guo
Dr. Jian Guo
Dr. Sheng Zhang
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- molten salt reactors (MSRs)
- safety features
- multi-physics coupling
- neutronics and thermal–hydraulics
- artificial intelligence
- thorium–uranium fuel cycles
- materials corrosion resistance
- source term evaluation
- fuel reprocessing
- heat exchangers and molten salt pumps
- radiation shielding design
- high-fidelity modeling
- passive safety mechanisms
- liquid fuel salts
- advanced nuclear energy systems
- sustainable energy solutions
- commercialization challenges
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