Materials chemistry for next-generation nuclear systems.
At the University of California - Irvine, the Finkeldei Group probes the chemistry of nuclear materials to enable advances in
clean energy technologies.
Advanced Fuel Development
We synthesize and analyze advanced fuel candidates to gain fundamental insights into grain boundary characteristics, fission gas transport, and material properties.
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Fusion & Space Systems
Utilizing a unique internal gelation process, we synthesize microspheres for a variety of applications, including materials for fusion and space applications.
Atomistic Modeling
We are developing machine learning interatomic potentials to enable highly-accurate simulations of nuclear materials under conditions relevant to reactor operation.
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Waste Management
We analyze the redox chemistry of spent fuel and barrier materials to predict behavior in repositories. Additionally, we synthesize complex oxides to structurally immobilize long lived actinides.
Group News
The Finkeldei Group welcomes local high schoolers into the lab to learn about nuclear chemistry as part of the Reach Out Teach Out (ROTO) program.
April 8, 2025
Jessica and Sarah present their work with sol-gel methods at the Methods and Applications of Radioanalytical Chemistry (MARC) Conference in Kona, Hawaii.
March 28, 2025
March 23, 2025
Audrey and Sarah give presentations at The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada.