No attachments available.
TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: MoltenClad
Contact and place of performance
Kathleen McDonald
Los Alamos, NM 87545
USA
Protective Metallic Coatings via Electrodeposition MoltenClad delivers a first-of-its-kind capability to deposit dense, uniform metallic coatings onto nuclear fuel pellets using molten salt electrodeposition. Unlike line-of-sight methods that leave gaps in coverage, electrodeposition surrounds the entire fuel surface with a protective barrier in a single process step. The technique, developed by scientists at Los Ala...
View moreProblems Solved
MoltenClad resolves the core limitations of conventional coating approaches by operating through an electrochemical mechanism rather than a directional deposition process. Because the molten salt bath fully surrounds the fuel pellet, the coating eliminates the line-of-sight restriction that plagues vapor-based methods. The electrochemical process avoids harsh chemical precursors that can leach or corrode an actinide substrate, and the byproducts of the reaction remain dissolved in the salt rather than contaminating the coating. While the process does operate at elevated temperatures, those temperatures remain well within the compatibility range for relevant materials. Coating quality, including thickness, density and microstructure, can be precisely controlled by adjusting the salt mixture composition, operating temperature and electrochemical parameters. Characterization of the resulting zirconium coatings has confirmed excellent adhesion to the fuel substrate with no inclusions or microcracks. The technique also extends beyond zirconium; other refractory metals such as tantalum, tungsten and molybdenum can potentially be deposited using the same platform, broadening its applicability to diverse extreme-environment scenarios.
Advantages
Market Applications
TRL 3
US Patent pending
LA-UR-26-24102
LANL Tech Partnerships: Unlock the Innovative Potential
Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products.
LANL’s licensing program focuses on moving inventions developed by our researchers to commercial innovations. Patented and patent pending inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. For specific discussions, please contact [email protected].
Note: This is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.
https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/partner-with-us/licensing-technology
m.lanl.gov/tech-search
Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a technology licensing opportunity for MoltenClad, an electrochemical deposition process designed to apply dense, uniform metallic coatings to nuclear fuel pellets. Developed by scientists at the laboratory, this technique utilizes molten salt electrodeposition to provide full-surface coverage, overcoming the line-of-sight limitations and uneven application associated with traditional vapor deposition methods. The platform is compatible with various refractory metals and salt chemistries, allowing for the precise control of coating thickness, density, and microstructure to address challenges such as extreme temperatures, corrosion, and neutron radiation in advanced reactor environments.
This special notice, identified by solicitation number S-167741, is managed by TRIAD - DOE Contractor for the Department of Energy. The opportunity is classified under NAICS 325180 for Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing and PSC AN12 for Health R&D Services; Health Care Services; Applied Research. There is no set-aside assigned to this notice. The technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 with a U.S. patent pending, and it is available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing to commercial entities interested in applications for advanced nuclear reactors, defense, aerospace, and isotope production.
The performance location for this effort is Los Alamos, New Mexico. Organizations interested in this licensing opportunity must respond by the deadline of June 30, 2026. Detailed inquiries regarding the MoltenClad platform and the licensing process may be directed to Kathleen McDonald. This notice is intended to facilitate the commercialization of laboratory-developed inventions and is not a request for external development services.
Generated by Lumen AI
Scoped analysis and attachments—go beyond the summary when you need detail from the solicitation package.