urán233

Uranium-233, often symbolized as 233U, is a fissile isotope of uranium. It is not found naturally on Earth and is produced artificially through nuclear reactions. The primary method of its creation involves the neutron bombardment of thorium-232. When thorium-232 absorbs a neutron, it transforms into thorium-233, which then undergoes beta decay to become protactinium-233. This protactinium-233 subsequently undergoes another beta decay to form uranium-233.

Uranium-233 has a half-life of approximately 159,200 years. It is a key component in the thorium fuel cycle, a proposed alternative to the conventional uranium fuel cycle. In this cycle, thorium-232 is bred into uranium-233 within a nuclear reactor. The uranium-233 can then be harvested and used as nuclear fuel. Proponents of the thorium fuel cycle highlight potential advantages such as reduced production of long-lived transuranic waste and a lower risk of nuclear proliferation compared to traditional uranium-based reactors.

The fissile nature of uranium-233 means it can sustain a nuclear chain reaction, making it suitable for use in nuclear reactors and potentially in nuclear weapons. Its primary application is in experimental reactors and in research related to advanced nuclear fuel cycles. While the thorium fuel cycle is considered promising, its widespread implementation faces technological and economic challenges.