Fusion material challenges
Several types of elements can merge during a fusion reaction. The one most scientists prefer is deuterium plus tritium. These two elements have the highest likelihood of fusing at temperatures that a reactor can maintain. This reaction generates a helium aTOM and a neutron, which carries most of the energy from the reaction.

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In the D-T fusion reaction, two hydrogen isotopes, deuterium and tritium, fuse and produce a helium atom and a high-energy neutron. Sophie Blondel/UT Knoxville