Advances in Fusion Materials Development

Fusion energy is a promising clean, sustainable, and environmentally friendly energy source that has the potential to play a significant role in meeting the world's growing energy demands while also reducing carbon emissions. To ensure the success of achieving fusion energy, the development of robust materials that can withstand extreme conditions is required. These conditions include but not limited to high temperatures, radiation, plasma fluxes, high heat flux, and complex thermomechanical stresses. These materials must be able to contain the fusion reaction and withstand the harsh environment of the reactor, while maintaining their structural integrity and performance over extended periods of time. The performance of fusion materials is critical to the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of fusion reactors.

The goal of this Research Topic is to present the latest advances in fusion materials development and to address the challenges associated with the development of materials for fusion reactors. This Research Topic seeks to highlight the most innovative materials and technologies that can enhance the performance, safety, and environmental impact of fusion reactors. Recent advances in materials science, physics, and engineering have led to new possibilities for the development of fusion materials. This Research Topic will present the latest research in this area and explore the potential for future breakthroughs.

This Research Topic seeks contributions that cover a wide range of topics related to fusion materials development. Areas of particular interest to be covered include:
- Development and Characterization of Plasma-Facing Materials.
- Development and Characterization of Structural Materials.
- Development and Characterization of Functional Materials.
- Development and Characterization of high-temperature super magnet materials.
- Radiation Effects on Fusion Materials from Neutron, Ion, and Electron Bombardment.
- Plasma surface interaction and fuel retention/permeation studies.
- Advanced Manufacturing of Fusion Materials.

We welcome manuscripts that report on experimental and computational research. Original research articles, reviews/mini-reviews, and perspectives are all welcome. Manuscripts should report on new and innovative materials and technologies that can contribute to the advancement of fusion materials development.

Keywords: Plasma-facing materials, Functional Materials, Radiation Effect, Advanced Manufacturing, Structural Materials, Fusion Materials

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.