Advancements in americium-based ceramics for Radioisotope Power Systems: Material selection, fabrication and thermoelectric effect demonstration

This work provides an in-depth analysis of the extensive research and development activities on americiumbased ceramics for space applications, particularly as heat source for radioisotope power generation. Our pioneering efforts focus on synthesizing and characterizing various americium ceramics with fluorite, monazite, perovskite, zircon, and pyrochlore structures, and assessing their potential for use in Radioisotope Power Systems (RPSs). This study identifies uranium-stabilised cubic americium oxide as the best candidate among the ceramic forms analysed, due to its superior stability and performance under extreme conditions relevant to space missions. The review emphasises the unique facilities and methodologies employed, including remote-handling techniques and advanced material characterization, to overcome the challenges posed by the high radiation dose and specific activity of 241Am when working with gram quantities.

VIGIER Jean-Francois;  FREIS Daniel;  KONINGS R. J. M.;  MANAUD Jeremie;  RAISON Philippe;  LAJARGE Patrick;  GARDEUR Sebastien;  VĂLU Sorin Octavian;  GRIVEAU Jean-Christophe;  POPA Karin; 

2025-10-31

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

JRC142836

2468-5194 (online),   

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S246851942500638X,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC142836,   

10.1016/j.mtchem.2025.103148 (online),