Porous frameworks for uranium extraction from seawater

The utilization of uranium (U) fission energy as a high-density, clean power source plays a pivotal role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Uranium extraction from seawater exhibits superior environmental friendliness compared to terrestrial uranium mining, as it avoids substantial generation of radioactive waste and harmful chemicals. However, conventional adsorbents such as fiber, polymer, and biomass materials exhibit slow adsorption rates and low ion selectivity. Porous frameworks with large inner surface, full host-guest interaction, and site utilization are utilized to improve uranium absorption performance. Consequently, devising and synthesizing materials that enable efficient and cost-effective extraction of U(VI) from seawater poses a formidable challenge. Recently, there has been a considerable surge in academic interest regarding the synthesis and design of porous frameworks. By integrating experimental data, spectroscopic analysis, and theoretical calculations, we have conducted an extensive investigation into the actual performance, underlying principles, and practicality of conventional materials (such as fibers) and novel porous materials serving as adsorbents, photocatalysts, and electrocatalysts for U(VI) extraction from seawater.