Boron-10 isotope technology breakthrough: production process innovation and broad application prospects

2025-04-08

Introduction

Recently, the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with a number of universities and enterprises, has made a major breakthrough in the efficient purification and large-scale production of boron-10 isotope (¹⁰B). This progress has not only promoted the technological upgrading of traditional fields such as nuclear energy and medicine, but also provided key material support for emerging industries such as semiconductors and new energy. The industrialization wave of boron-10 technology is sweeping the world .

Technology and process: from laboratory to scale

Boron-10 is a rare isotope with an abundance of only about 20% in natural boron. Due to its unique neutron absorption ability, it has become a core component of nuclear reactor control rods and radiation shielding materials. However, the traditional purification process is costly and inefficient, which has long restricted its large-scale application.

1.Gas Centrifuge Upgrade

The research team optimized the boron trifluoride (BF 3 ) gas centrifugal separation process and used a new composite material drum to increase the single separation efficiency by 30% while reducing energy consumption. According to Professor Wang Hua, the project leader, "The new process can make the abundance of boron-10 isotope reach more than 99.9%, and the purity meets the requirements of nuclear grade applications." The picture is a real shot of Jiayuan factory. Reproduction is prohibited.

2. Exploration of green technology

In order to reduce chemical waste, new technologies such as electrolytic reduction and laser isotope separation have entered the trial stage. The Tsinghua University team used ionic liquids to electrolyze borates and initially achieved low-energy purification, which may subvert the existing production model in the future.

Application scenarios: From "cornerstone of nuclear energy" to "anti-cancer weapon"

With the maturity of purification technology, the application boundaries of boron-10 continue to expand, becoming a "star material" for cross-innovation in multiple fields.

1.Nuclear Energy Safety and Generation IV Reactors

In the fourth-generation nuclear energy systems such as high-temperature gas-cooled reactors and molten salt reactors, boron carbide ceramics containing boron-10 are used as core materials for control rods. A Chinese nuclear power company revealed that the use of domestic boron-10 components has improved the neutron economy of reactors by 15% and reduced annual operation and maintenance costs by hundreds of millions of yuan.

2.Precision cancer treatment (BNCT technology)

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) uses boron-10 to target and aggregate tumor cells, and releases high-energy particles through neutron irradiation to accurately kill cancer. In 2023, China's first BNCT clinical center was built in Xiamen, and it has significant effects in treating gliomas, melanomas, etc. Experts predict that with the approval of domestic boron-10 drugs, the cost of treatment is expected to drop from 300,000 yuan per course of treatment to less than 100,000 yuan.

3.Semiconductors and Neutron Detection

In the semiconductor field, boron-10 doping can improve the radiation resistance of silicon carbide power devices; its high-sensitivity neutron response characteristics are also used in nuclear power plant radiation monitoring and customs anti-terrorism detection equipment.

4.Deep space exploration and energy storage materials

Boron-10-based composite materials have been incorporated into the shielding layer design of China's deep space probes due to their light weight and high radiation resistance; in addition, their potential in new borohydride hydrogen storage materials has also attracted the attention of academia.

Challenges and the Future: Cost, Standards and Global Competition

Despite its promise, boron-10 technology faces challenges:

High production cost : The price of 99% pure boron-10 has increased , and further cost reduction is needed;

Lack of standards : The lack of unified purity standards in the fields of medicine and nuclear energy restricts market promotion;

International competition intensifies : The United States, Russia, Japan and other countries are accelerating their layout, and China needs to strengthen collaborative innovation in the industrial chain.

In response to this, the National Isotope Engineering Technology Research Center proposed a "three-step" strategy: to achieve localization of key equipment by 2025, to build a 10,000-ton deep processing base for boron products by 2030, and to take the lead in formulating international standards.

Conclusion

From nuclear power plants to operating tables, from space to laboratories, the innovation of boron-10 technology is quietly changing the landscape of multiple industries. With China's continuous breakthroughs in purification technology and application research and development, this "small element" may become the key driving force behind the "heavy weapons of a great power". In the future, how to balance technological autonomy and global cooperation will determine China's final position in this high-tech competition.