Dr. Ge Yang, professor of nuclear engineering at NC State University, to be awarded a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) research and development grant. His co-PIs include Dr. Mohamed Bourham, professor of nuclear engineering at NC State University, and Dr. Zhiping Luo, professor of chemistry, physics, and materials science at Fayetteville State University. The title of their project is “Advanced radiation-resistant and high-temperature-tolerant solid-state Ga₂O₃ hydrogen sensors for enhanced safety of nuclear facilities”.

The objective of this project is to develop breakthrough solid-state hydrogen sensors based on Ga₂O₃, a revolutionary material that can resist high radiation and temperature levels in harsh nuclear environments. These sensors will offer unprecedented capabilities for real-time monitoring of hydrogen concentration, avoiding potential dangers such as embrittlement, fire hazard and explosion, and facilitating safe production and storage at nuclear facilities. They will integrate state-of-the-art techniques for advanced sensor material deposition and device fabrication, exploiting the exceptional properties of Ga₂O₃ as an ultrawide bandgap semiconductor sensor material for harsh environments. The project will generate crucial insights and essential technical basis for the advancement and implementation of cutting-edge solid-state hydrogen sensors based on Ga₂O₃, thus boosting the technical capability of NRC and the nuclear community.

This project is one of 24 proposals totaling more than $11.7 million and disbursements are expected in early 2024. It is the fourth year that the NRC has offered a research component under the University Nuclear Leadership Program – an initiative that provides support to academic institutions in the areas of nuclear science, engineering, technology, and other disciplines. Three Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and nine partnering institutions are involved. This proposal is one such partnership between NC State University and Fayetteville State University, a MSI in the State of North Carolina.