Performance analysis of nuclear reactor core loaded with Accident-Tolerant Fuel: Mo/Cr metallic microcell UO2 pellets and CrAl coating

•Performance analysis of a commercial pressurized water reactor core loaded with accident-tolerant fuel.•Development of accident-tolerant fuel containing Mo/Cr metallic microcell UO2 pellets and a CrAl coating on the cladding.•The metallic microcell UO2 pellet can increase the thermal conductivity of fuel pellets.•Systematic reactor core performance and safety analysis of the reactor core with accident-tolerant fuels from a neutronic perspective.