2024/01/01 by Sania Shabbir, Nailiang Yang, Dan Wang · 1 voice
Chemistry · Earth and Planetary Sciences · Engineering · #Radioactive element chemistry and processing #Geochemistry and Elemental Analysis #Extraction and Separation Processes
paper · pdf · doi:10.1039/d3nr05905g
openalex publication_date 2024/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Uranium extraction from seawater (UES) is recognized as one of the seven pivotal chemical separations with the potential to revolutionize global paradigms. The forthcoming decade is anticipated to witness a surge in UES, driven by escalating energy demands. The oceanic reservoirs, possessing uranium quantities approximately 1000-fold higher than terrestrial mines, present a more sustainable and environmentally benign alternative. Empirical evidence from historical research indicates that adsorption emerges as the most efficacious process for uranium recovery from seawater, considering operational feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and selectivity. Over the years, scientific exploration has led to the development of a plethora of adsorbents with superior adsorption capacity. It would be efficient to design materials with a deep understanding of the adsorption from the perspective of kinetics and thermodynamics. Here, we summarize recent advancements in UES technology and the contemporary challenges encountered in this domain. Furthermore, we present our perspectives on the future trajectory of UES and finally offer our insights into this subject.