Discovering uranium in 1789, it was initially used as a colorant in pottery. However, its value has skyrocketed in recent years as it has become a crucial component in the nuclear energy industry and medicine.
Unlike gold, uranium is more abundant and easier to locate due to its distinct radiation signature. Historically, the supply of uranium has always exceeded demand. However, concerns have arisen as the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources like nuclear power. This transition necessitates the discovery of new uranium deposits.
Interestingly, there is a vast amount of uranium in the world’s oceans. Unfortunately, extracting it poses a significant challenge. Dr. Jessica Veliscek Carolan, the lead scientist on a groundbreaking study, explains, “There’s a lot of uranium in the oceans, more than a thousand times more than what is found in the ground, but it’s really diluted, so it’s very difficult to extract. The main challenge is that other substances in seawater, such as salt and minerals, are present in much higher amounts than uranium.”
To tackle this problem, the research team explored the potential of layered double hydroxide (LDH) materials. These highly-modifiable materials have shown promise in extracting uranium and other metals. By leveraging the positive and negative charges within LDH materials, scientists can tailor them to selectively extract uranium.
After refining their technique, the team discovered that adding neodymium to the mix significantly improved the efficiency of uranium extraction from seawater-like conditions. This breakthrough not only opens up possibilities for collecting new uranium but also offers potential for cleaning up radioactive wastewater generated by the nuclear industry.
Dr. Veliscek emphasized the additional benefits of LDH materials, stating, “There are additional benefits in that these materials are simple and inexpensive to make. They could be a cost-effective choice for large-scale uranium extraction.”
The study, published in Energy Advances, marks a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable uranium extraction.
