Chinese scientists from Northeastern University in Changchun have developed a method to extract uranium from seawater. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine ACS Center for Science (ACSSC).
Currently, uranium is extracted from rocks, but reserves are limited. According to current estimates, approximately 4.5 billion tons of this element are dissolved in the seas and oceans, which is 1000 times more than in uranium deposits on land.
In the sea, uranium exists in the ionic form called uranyl. But removing uranium from water remains challenging because the materials do not have enough surface area to effectively trap uranium ions.
Chinese researchers have created a carbon fiber fabric coated with special monomers. After chemical treatment, the fiber obtained numerous small “pockets” that could trap uranyl particles.
In the tests, scientists managed to extract 12.6 milligrams of uranium per gram of seawater in 24 days. The performance of the carbon fabric was higher than most other materials tested.
Experts say their discovery offers a promising method to use the seas as a new source of nuclear fuel.
Previously in Russia came with A new way to purify water from radioactive contaminants.