The topic of nuclear waste management and storage has been debated at the national level for decades. 

Today, more than 700,000 metric tons of depleted uranium hexafluoride (UF6) – considered radioactive waste – sit in storage at sites throughout the U.S. as a result of the enrichment process. Nuclear power, which requires enriched uranium, currently accounts for just 20% of the nation’s electricity production but interest in its potential is growing.

Coming up with safe, long-term solutions to manage UF6 and capture critical materials from the nuclear energy process is a topic of increasing importance. And one particularly promising approach is being developed right now at UNLV. 

A team of UNLV radiochemists has patented technology capable of converting depleted UF6 into a safer and more stable form while also recovering strategically beneficial materials for future use. 

They’re currently collaborating with industry to put their technology to the test. If successful, their approach could one day be applied at an industrial scale and in the process alleviate growing concerns about long-term storage while simultaneously creating potential new industries. 

I invite you to read more about this inspiring innovation (or watch the accompanying short video), which highlights UNLV’s role as a national leader in nuclear technology research and education and exemplifies the life-changing work occurring every day in our university's research labs. 

Warm wishes, 

Chris Heavey
UNLV Interim President