Proton-Boron Fusion Vs Nuclear Fusion

Since the achievement of nuclear fission, society has been seeking the next step. The successful splitting of an atom was not enough. The scientist set out to get to the next step, but ran into multiple problems. Fusion, the process of combining atoms, required an enormous amount of power. As of now, deuterium and tritium, isotopes of hydrogen, were used, because they were considered the most achievable because the amount of energy needed to sustain a reaction was minimal compared to that of other elements. However, using deuterium should not be the goal for it creates un-harvestable energy such as neutron-radiation. Hydrogen and Boron should be the focus of nuclear fusion fuels. Hydrogen and Boron as reactants for nuclear fusion would the

A deuterium reaction releases energy in the form of free-flowing neutrons, which scientists cannot yet convert into electrical energy. As a case in point, in Didier C. Moreau article, “Potentiality of the proton-boron fuel for controlled thermonuclear fusion,” Moreau praises the absence of radiation in a hydrogen-boron fusion. The reaction, in turn, releases pure energy as free-flowing electrons. These electrons can be conducted by a simple metal plate. Hydrogen-boron also releases a large amount of energy in the form of light. Photoelectric panels installed within the reactor wall can harness the energy from the photons (Hydrogen-Boron vs. Deuterium-Tritium. 2). Boron also requires a larger amount of energy for ionization, which is a reason the fuel source in overlooked. In These photoelectric panels could also cut down on the loss of energy due to the reflection and refraction of a laser ignition source (Azizi, et al 1) as they would absorb the light given off (Hora, et al 3). The highest power energy released from the reaction are done so in the form of x-rays. These x-rays are no more potent than that of an airport security

With a higher ionization energy require for boron more energy is needed, and with more energy comes more variables. Unlike deuterium, proton-boron does not need high voltage. This can be substituted with lasers, as the lasers would be the ignition to the reaction (Pieruschka 7) and be able to sustain the reaction without the need for high voltage within the reactor itself (Martinez-Val 6). The final product atom, helium, is also a noble gas, meaning that among the most sable elements discovered thus far. The creation of helium is also safe, since that it is non-flammable, non-reactive with any other element, and replenishes the depleted recourse. The reactants, hydrogen and boron, are among the most abundant elements on earth. These elements can be used in excess without any repercussion. (Ruggiero