Vascular-Mimetic 2D Membranes with Hemoglobin Catalysis for Efficient Uranium Extraction

The extraction of uranium from seawater is crucial for sustainable nuclear energy development but is challenged by its ultralow concentration, the presence of competing ions, and the high energy demands of conventional methods. Membrane separation is a promising alternative, owing to its in simplicity, low energy consumption, and scalability. However, current membranes fail to achieve the selectivity and efficiency required for uranium capture. Herein, this study introduces a bioinspired graphene oxide-red blood cells (GO-RBC) membrane, that mimics vascular transport for ultra-selective uranium extraction. In the innovative GO-induced remodeling of red blood cell, hemoglobin (Hb) adsorbs onto the hydrophobic regions of GO and, phospholipids self-assemble into concentric hydrophilic rings around Hb. This unique "island-reef" structure within the membrane channels forces ions to follow an S-shaped path, thereby enhancing interactions with Hb. In addition, Hb catalytically reduces U(VI) to U(IV), enabling trapping of uranium while allowing competing ions to pass through. The membrane achieves an unprecedented U/V selectivity (110.6), far outperforming current technologies. Moreover, the GO-RBC membrane exhibited exceptional antifouling properties, mechanical robustness, and long-term stability. This study provides a scalable, energy-efficient solution for uranium extraction from seawater, further opening new pathways for the development of biomimetic membranes for application in resource recovery.