Fabrication of MIP-201 membrane with excellent stability for high-efficiency uranium separation from seawater

Uranium separation from seawater represents a promising approach for overcoming uranium resource shortage. In this study, we fabricated an MIP-201 membrane with exceptional long-term stability in uranium-containing environments for high-efficiency uranium separation from seawater. Benefiting from 10.5 Å-sized pores, the UO 2 2+ rejection rate reached 98.5%, which was significantly higher than smaller-sized metal ions (e.g. 2-7% for K + , Na + , Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ); moreover, our membrane exhibited ideal Fe 3+ /UO 2 2+ selectivity of 57.2, which represented the highest value in comparison with the literature. Of particular note, owing to intrinsic framework robustness, our membrane maintained a steady UO 2 2+ ion rejection rate of ∼98% upon immersion in UO 2 2+ -containing aqueous solution for over 30 days and ∼97% in seawater for over 21 days, showing great potential in practical uranium separation from seawater. • Well-intergrown MIP-201 membrane was first prepared through epitaxial growth. • Both MIP-201 powders and membranes exhibited excellent water and chemical stability. • The UO 2 2+ rejection rate (98.5%) of MIP-201 membrane was much higher than other smaller-sized metal ions (2-7%). • The ideal Fe 3+ /UO 2 2+ selectivity of MIP-201 membrane was the highest in comparison with the literature.