Breeder reactors are specialized nuclear reactors designed to produce more fissile material than they consume during operation. They do this by converting fertile materials—which are not readily fissile—into fissile isotopes that can sustain a nuclear chain reaction.
How They Work:
- Breeder reactors use a blanket of fertile material, such as uranium-238 or thorium-232, surrounding the reactor core.
- As the reactor operates, neutrons from fission reactions convert these fertile materials into fissile isotopes like:
- Uranium-238 → Plutonium-239
- Thorium-232 → Uranium-233
- The newly formed fissile material can then be extracted and used as nuclear fuel.
Types of Breeder Reactors:
- Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR):
- Use fast neutrons (no moderator).
- Commonly breed plutonium-239 from uranium-238.
- Thermal Breeder Reactors:
- Use thermal (slow) neutrons and usually thorium-232 to breed uranium-233.
Benefits:
- Fuel efficiency: Maximize use of available uranium or thorium resources.
- Reduced nuclear waste: Can consume long-lived actinides.
- Sustainability: Extend the life of nuclear fuel supplies significantly.
In summary, breeder reactors are an important step toward more sustainable nuclear energy, as they help turn otherwise unusable material into valuable fuel.