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ABCABC Stacking-Enabled Non-Centrosymmetry 3R-ZnIn2S4 Nanosheets for Piezocatalytic Uranium Extraction
Song Li1, Huaijuan Zhou1,2, Yingting Yang1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Interdisciplinary Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|July 16, 2026
Summary
Two-dimensional 3R-zinc indium sulfide nanosheets utilize stacking-induced piezoelectricity for efficient, light-independent uranium extraction and hydrogen peroxide generation. This self-powered approach offers a sustainable solution for nuclear energy development.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Nuclear Engineering
Background:
- Piezoelectric materials offer self-powered, light-independent uranium extraction by harnessing mechanical energy.
- Existing piezoelectric materials require high flexibility, facile deformation, and large surface areas for efficient operation.
- Natural mechanical energies are often weak and low-frequency, posing challenges for effective energy harvesting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the efficacy of 2D 3R-zinc indium sulfide (3R-ZnIn2S4) nanosheets for piezoelectric uranium extraction.
- To investigate the mechanism of on-site hydrogen peroxide generation and its role in uranium extraction.
- To establish stacking-induced piezoelectricity as a viable strategy for sustainable uranium extraction.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) 3R-zinc indium sulfide (3R-ZnIn2S4) nanosheets with ABCABC stacking.
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to understand solvation effects on lattice flexibility and dipole moment.
- Experimental validation using ultrasonic agitation to measure hydrogen peroxide yield and uranium extraction capacity.
Main Results:
- 3R-ZnIn2S4 nanosheets exhibit intrinsic non-centrosymmetry due to their stacking sequence, enabling robust piezocatalysis.
- Achieved a hydrogen peroxide yield of 276.7 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ and a uranium extraction capacity of 763.2 mg g⁻¹ under ultrasonic agitation.
- Demonstrated excellent cycling stability, high uranium selectivity, and effective anti-biofouling performance.
Conclusions:
- Stacking-induced piezoelectricity in 2D 3R-ZnIn2S4 is a promising light-independent strategy for uranium extraction.
- The material facilitates simultaneous on-site hydrogen peroxide generation, enhancing uranium extraction efficiency.
- This approach supports sustainable nuclear energy development through efficient and environmentally conscious resource utilization.
