Heavy water (D₂O) is a specialized form of water in which hydrogen atoms are replaced by deuterium, a stable isotope of hydrogen. Although chemically similar to ordinary water, heavy water exhibits unique physical and nuclear properties that make it indispensable in several high-value industrial sectors. This article explores the industrial applications of heavy water , focusing on its role in nuclear energy, chemical manufacturing, materials science, and advanced research. 1. What Is Heavy Water (D₂O)? Heavy water consists of two deuterium atoms and one oxygen atom. The presence of deuterium increases the molecular mass of the water, resulting in higher density, altered thermal properties, and—most importantly—distinct neutron interaction behavior. Due to its extremely low natural abundance, heavy water is considered a strategic industrial material rather than a commodity chemical. 2. Heavy Water in the Nuclear Power Industry 2.1 Neutron Moderator in Nuclear Reactors The m...
In the fields of nuclear energy, chemical engineering, and scientific research, the terms heavy water (D₂O) and light water (H₂O) appear frequently. Although they look almost identical in appearance, their physical properties, chemical characteristics, and industrial applications differ significantly. This article provides a comprehensive comparison—covering composition, properties, uses, cost, and safety—to help readers clearly understand the key differences between heavy water and light water. 1. What Is Light Water? Light water refers to ordinary water— H₂O —composed of two hydrogen atoms (¹H) and one oxygen atom. It is one of the most common substances on Earth and is widely used for drinking, industrial cooling, cleaning, and as a general-purpose solvent. 2. What Is Heavy Water? Heavy water ( D₂O ) is a form of water in which the regular hydrogen atoms are replaced by deuterium (²H) , a stable hydrogen isotope containing one proton and one neutron. Because deuter...