Recent Research Advances in the Application of Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Chemical Processes of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle

As a new class of green functional liquids, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have attracted increasing attention as alternatives to conventional solvents, such as mineral acids, organic solvents and ionic liquids (ILs), in nuclear chemistry. Owing to their low cost, easy preparation, structural tunability, and adjustable physicochemical properties, DESs provide unique solvation and coordination environments that enable various applications. This review summarizes recent research advances in the application of DESs for the chemical processes of the nuclear fuel cycle. Particular emphasis is focused on dissolution, extraction and separation, electrochemical deposition and redox processes, radionuclide capture, decontamination and detection. This review highlights the fundamental advantages and current limitations of DES-based systems and outlines future trends.