Layered Bio-Inorganic\nMXene Membranes: A Green Approach\nfor Uranium Extraction from Seawater Using Genetically Modified <i>E. coli</i>

With the growing demand for clean energy, efficient uranium\nextraction\ntechnologies are needed, especially from seawater, where uranium reserves\nare huge. Here, we developed a composite membrane by inserting <i>Escherichia coli</i> engineered with super uranyl-binding protein\n(SUP) within a two-dimensional (2D) MXene (Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub><i>x</i></sub>) layer. SUP endowed the bioinorganic\nhybrid membrane with ultrahigh selectivity for uranyl ions, while\nthe engineered <i>E. coli</i> improved the mechanical strength\nand economy of the membranes. Experimental results showed that the\nmembranes achieved precise recognition of uranyl ions and excellent\nion screening performance (SF<sub>U/V</sub> ≈ 43, SF<sub>Na/U</sub> ≈ 158). Excellent separation performance and cyclic stability\ntests demonstrated the industrial application potential of the membrane.\nThis method offers a green and sustainable solution, combining biological\nengineering and nanomaterial innovation, providing an environmentally\nfriendly and efficient approach for uranium extraction from seawater,\nmarking a significant advancement in the field of clean energy resource\ndevelopment.