Chinese researchers have reportedly developed a new organic material to extract uranium ore from seawater, a groundbreaking advancement in the field of nuclear power. This new material, created by researchers at the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, utilizes DNA-based adsorbents to selectively extract uranyl ions from seawater.
Uranium is a crucial element used in fueling nuclear reactors, but historically, it has been extracted from rock. With this new development, scientists are now able to extract uranium from the vast oceans, which contain a diluted population of uranium ions.
The new SA-DNA hydrogel microspheres created by Chinese researchers have shown significantly higher uranium selectivity compared to previous adsorbents. These microspheres are not only economically feasible but also environmentally benign, easy to produce, and recyclable. The researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of their material by successfully extracting uranium from natural seawater, showcasing its potential for real-world applications.
This breakthrough is part of China’s larger efforts to advance its nuclear power development. The country has been making significant investments in nuclear energy, leading to rapid advancements in this field. China’s strategic approach and financial investments have given Chinese firms a competitive edge over their Western counterparts.
Overall, this new development in uranium extraction from seawater represents a significant milestone in the field of nuclear power and highlights China’s position at the forefront of nuclear energy innovation.
