Zirconium Dihydride Powder

Zirconium Dihydride Powder

Zirconium Dihydride powder is an inorganic compound composed of zirconium and hydrogen. It is a metal hydride that typically appears as a gray to black powder at room temperature. This compound has a high hydrogen content, and is known for its thermal stability, high melting point, and metallic conductivity.

Applications:

Nuclear Applications:

Zirconium dihydride is primarily used in the nuclear industry, where it serves as a key material in nuclear reactors. Zirconium alloys, including ZrH₂, are used as cladding materials for fuel rods in light-water reactors (LWRs), fast breeder reactors (FBRs), and heavy water reactors. Zirconium’s low neutron absorption cross-section and corrosion resistance make it an ideal material for containing nuclear fuel and enabling the efficient operation of reactors.

ZrH₂ can act as a hydride phase in these alloys, providing enhanced stability under high-temperature conditions, particularly when the reactors are operating at elevated pressures and temperatures. Its use improves the thermal conductivity of fuel rod cladding, thereby contributing to better heat dissipation from the reactor core.

Hydrogen Storage:

Zirconium dihydride is studied for use in hydrogen storage applications. Its high hydrogen content and the ability to absorb hydrogen under moderate pressures make ZrH₂ a promising candidate for solid-state hydrogen storage systems. ZrH₂ can reversibly absorb and desorb hydrogen, making it a potential material for clean energy storage and fuel cell technologies.

In hydrogen-powered vehicles or other hydrogen fuel applications, zirconium dihydride could be used as a compact and safe storage medium for hydrogen. This application aligns with efforts to develop sustainable energy systems that utilize hydrogen as an alternative fuel source.

High-Temperature Materials:

Zirconium dihydride has high thermal stability and a high melting point (~1,800°C), making it useful in high-temperature applications such as aerospace, missile technologies, and advanced propulsion systems. ZrH₂ is explored for use in the development of materials that can withstand extreme thermal conditions without significant degradation.

In thermal barriers and high-performance ceramics, ZrH₂ can enhance the thermal conductivity of other materials and contribute to their heat resistance. It is also utilized in thermal shields that need to perform at elevated temperatures in environments like rocket engines or spacecraft.