Electrosorption of uranium from aqueous solutions: Mechanisms, electrode materials, and applications in in-situ leaching

The extraction of uranium from aqueous solutions, especially from productive leachates generated in in-situ extraction (ISL) operations, is vital for sustainable nuclear fuel production and environmental safety. Traditional sorption methods, though effective, face limitations related to chemical regeneration, selectivity, and secondary pollution. Electrosorption, an emerging electrochemical technique, provides a promising alternative that offers controllable, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly extraction of uranium (VI) ions. This review presents the fundamental principles of electrosorption, recent advances in electrode materials, insights into binding mechanisms, and the integration potential of electrosorption units into ISL circuits. The article also compares electrosorption with conventional sorption technologies and outlines current research gaps and future directions.