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.
.png)
_edited_edited_edited.png)
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.
.png)
_edited.jpg)
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
January 23, 2024
Congratulations to Andrew for getting accepted into the Seaborg Institute Nuclear Science and Security Undergraduate Internship program!
February 19, 2025
Jessica is awarded the International Sol-Gel Society Renata Reisfeld PhD Student Fellowship for Women!
Max, Alex, Nox, Andrew, and other UCI undergraduates finish their Nuclear Regulatory Commission Reactor Operator Exams, a huge milestone on the way to being NRC-licensed reactor operators.
November 6, 2024