In Situ Synthesis of Uranyl‐Imprinted Nanocage for Selective Uranium Recovery from Seawater

Abstract

An adaptive coordination structure is vital for selective uranium extraction from seawater. By strategy of molecular imprinting, uranyl is introduced into a multivariate metal–organic framework (MOF) during the synthesis process to guide the in situ construction of proper nanocage structure for targeting uranyl binding. Except for the coordination between uranium with four oxygen from the materials, the axial oxygen of uranyl also forms hydrogen bonds with hydrogen from the phenolic hydroxyl group, which enhances the binding affinity of the material to uranyl. Attributing to the high binding affinity, the adsorbent shows high uranium binding selectivity to uranyl against not only the interfering metal ions, but also the carbonate group that coordinates with uranyl to form [UO2(CO)3]4− in seawater. In natural seawater, the adsorbent realizes a high uranium adsorption capacity of 7.35 mg g−1, together with an 18.38 times higher selectivity to vanadium.

Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Uranium Extraction from Seawater over an Amidoxime‐Functionalized In–N–C Catalyst

“…[ 3 ] To address these issues, extraction technologies with high selectivity, fast removal kinetics, and a large capacity towards for uranium removal are highly sought after. Direct adsorption technologies have been widely pursued for uranium extraction, using adsorbents such as porous carbons, [ 4 ] metal–organic frameworks, [ 5 ] covalent organic frameworks, [ 6 ] biomaterials, [ 7 ] and porous polymers. [ 8 ] These adsorbents typically contain functional groups with a high affinity for uranyl ions.…”

Metal–Organic Frameworks and Their Composites for Environmental Applications

“…[167] Feng et al selectively recover uranium from seawater using uranium-imprinted nanocages, MUU im , which derived from UiO-66 via one-step in-situ synthesis approach. [168]…”

A novel preparation and vapor phase modification of 2D‐open channel bioadsorbent for uranium separation

“…A rapid increase in energy demands has given rise to energy shortage, nuclear energy with the advantage of low carbon emission plays an important role in sustainable energy source 1,2 . Uranium plays a key role in nuclear energy sources, therefore its extraction is very important for continuous energy supply 3–5 . However, it is estimated uranium in the terrestrial ores is limited and at the current usage, the terrestrial resources might be ended at the end of the current century 6 .…”

“…1,2 Uranium plays a key role in nuclear energy sources, therefore its extraction is very important for continuous energy supply. [3][4][5] However, it is estimated uranium in the terrestrial ores is limited and at the current usage, the terrestrial resources might be ended at the end of the current century. 6 Comparatively, it is estimated that 4.5 billion tons of uranium in seawater is a thousand times higher than terrestrial ores.…”