Dong-A University Professor Minsoo Koo's Team Elucidates Real-Time Electrochemical Corrosion Reactions in Spent Nuclear Fuel Dry Storage Canisters

Contributing to the Long-Term Safety of Storage Canisters
High Potential for Application Across Various Fields

A team of Korean researchers has become the first in the world to conduct real-time analysis of corrosion phenomena that can occur in dry storage canisters for spent nuclear fuel, earning recognition in an international academic journal.

This achievement is seen as a significant step forward in ensuring the long-term structural stability and safety of storage canisters.

On May 22, Dong-A University announced that the results of a joint research team, led by Professor Minsoo Koo of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Dong-A University and Dr. Seunghyun Kim of the Nuclear Safety Research Division at the Korea Institute of Materials Science, have been published in the 'International Journal of Energy Research,' the most prestigious journal in the energy field. This journal is ranked in the top 1% of SCI journals and is considered one of the most influential academic publications worldwide in the fields of nuclear power and energy.

The title of the paper is 'In-situ Electrochemical Investigation of Pitting and Interphase Galvanic Corrosion of Duplex Stainless Steels via Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy for Dry Storage Canisters of Spent Nuclear Fuels.' The core of the research is the visualization of localized corrosion reactions in duplex stainless steel through real-time analysis using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM).

Dry storage canisters for spent nuclear fuel are essential facilities for the long-term storage of high-level radioactive waste discharged from nuclear power plants. These canisters require durability and corrosion resistance. Duplex stainless steel, a leading candidate material, can be subject to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (CISCC) in high-salinity environments near coastal areas.

The research team focused on 'interphase galvanic corrosion,' which is known as a major factor causing corrosion. They noted that a potential difference arises at the boundary where the ferrite and austenite phases meet inside duplex stainless steel, which in turn promotes localized corrosion reactions.

In the experiment, the researchers recreated actual high-temperature and high-humidity conditions and used SECM to trace the points where corrosion reactions occurred by detecting microcurrents. Through this process, they successfully identified, in real time and through electrochemical means, the initial and propagation stages of both pitting and galvanic corrosion.

Professor Minsoo Koo stated, "We have quantitatively analyzed the initial corrosion reactions electrochemically, something that was difficult to determine using conventional post-analysis methods," adding, "This study has provided a decisive clue that can explain the root causes of corrosion issues in storage canisters."

Dr. Seunghyun Kim added, "Corrosion in actual storage facilities located on the coast can pose a critical risk to long-term operation," and emphasized, "These results will be of great help in enhancing the reliability and lifespan of storage canisters."

This research was supported by the basic project of the Korea Institute of Materials Science and the energy workforce training project of the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning. It is also regarded as a representative success case of collaborative research between academia and research institutes.

The technology is expected to have high potential for application in the design of highly corrosion-resistant new materials and the development of precision corrosion sensors across the energy, marine, and chemical industries in the future.

From the left, Professor Minsoo Koo of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Dong-A University, Dr. Seunghyun Kim of the Korea Institute of Materials Science. Provided by Dong-A University

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