How lithium walls trap fusion fuel-and what it means for the future of clean energy

'How lithium walls trap fusion fuel-and what it means for the future of clean energy'

In the quest to harness fusion energy-the same process that powers the sun-scientists are testing every detail to improve how future reactors, called tokamaks, will operate. One key focus is the use of lithium, a lightweight metal, to coat the inside walls of these reactors.

"Most of the fuel retention happens when lithium is added during the plasma shot-not beforehand," said lead author Maria Morbey, a PhD student at the Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER).