Development Status of Fe-V-Based High-Entropy Alloys for Nuclear Reactors

Against the backdrop of the “dual carbon” strategy, clean and efficient energy is the goal that people pursue. Nuclear fusion energy is recognized as a clean energy source worldwide. Due to the high-energy neutrons produced during nuclear fusion reactions, the materials for nuclear fusion reactors are required to be low in activation while also having high resistance to irradiation damage. Both Fe and V are completely low-activation elements, and high-entropy alloys currently exhibit excellent radiation resistance properties. Therefore, Fe-V-based high-entropy alloys may become a competitive candidate material for future fusion reactors, although their performance under neutron irradiation and long-term high-temperature service remains to be validated. This paper systematically reviews the research progress in the design methods, preparation methods, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and radiation resistance of Fe-V-based high-entropy alloys. In response to the high strength and low activation requirements of structural materials for fusion reactors, a development strategy of Fe-V-based high-entropy alloys using FeCrV-based alloys as the main component and supplemented by low-activation elements such as Mn and Ti is proposed. This provides certain references for the development and design of new-generation reactor structural materials.