Ultrafast, High‐Capacity Uranium Harvesting From Seawater via a Hierarchically Porous Polymer Electrode

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Authors: Zejun Song, Zhenggong Wang, Zhenggong Wang, Lele Guo, Zhining Wang, Zhining Wang, Keming Wan, Ting Zhang, Wangxi Fang, Jian Jin
Cited by: 1
References: 59

Abstract

ABSTRACT Efficient uranium extraction from seawater is a critical challenge in advancing sustainable nuclear energy, given the vast but dilute reserves of uranium in oceans. Here, we report a hierarchically porous polymer electrode engineered for electrochemical uranium harvesting with unprecedented performance. Fabricated via a non‐solvent phase inversion process, the electrode features an interconnected microporous‐mesoporous architecture that enhances uranium uptake and facilitates ion transport, where the amidoxime groups promote selective adsorption of uranyl ions, and they are subsequently electrodeposited as crystalline (UO 2 )O 2 ·2H 2 O under an applied potential. This solution‐processable microporous polymer electrode exhibits an excellent uranium uptake capacity exceeding 4221 mg g −1 without saturation. The electrode maintains strong reusability and seawater tolerance, enabling rapid and continuous uranium harvesting even at ultratrace concentrations. This work provides a transformative platform for electrochemically‐driven, high‐throughput uranium harvesting from marine resources.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Radioactive element chemistry and processing Chemical Synthesis and Characterization Covalent Organic Framework Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Science
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
13
Issue
39
Pages
e75367–e75367
Publication date
20 April 2026
Language
EN