Constructing 2D Polyphenols-Based Crosslinked Networks for Ultrafast and Selective Uranium Extraction from Seawater

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Nuclear Chemistry

Background:

• Tannins (TA) are effective, eco-friendly chelating ligands for metal capture.
• Existing tannin-based adsorbents for uranium capture often exhibit slow adsorption kinetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and prepare a novel tannin-containing 2D crosslinked network adsorbent (TANP).
• To investigate the adsorption performance of TANP for uranium capture from aqueous solutions.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of TANP films with nanoscale thickness and micrometer-scale pores.
• Characterization using U L3-edge XANES and EXAFS spectroscopy.
• Density functional theory (DFT) calculations for binding analysis.
• Adsorption experiments to determine capacity, kinetics, selectivity, and biofouling resistance.

Main Results:

• TANP films exhibit a unique structure facilitating fast mass transfer and active site exposure.
• High uranium capture capacity (14.62 mg-U g-Ads⁻¹) and rapid adsorption rate (0.97 mg g⁻¹ day⁻¹).
• Excellent selectivity for uranium and resistance to biofouling were observed.

Conclusions:

• TANP presents superior adsorption kinetics compared to existing adsorbents.
• The material demonstrates significant potential for industrial-scale uranium extraction from seawater.
• Life cycle and cost analyses support the viability of TANP for practical applications.