IISc Uranium Extraction from Seawater research has developed a new approach to separate uranium from seawater more effectively. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have designed specially structured slipped covalent organic framework (COF) membranes that can block uranyl ions while allowing common seawater ions to pass through. The discovery is important because seawater contains an estimated 4.5 billion tonnes of uranium, far more than the roughly 7.5 million tonnes found on land. However, extracting uranium from seawater is difficult because many other ions are present in high concentrations. Instead of relying mainly on strong chemical reactions to capture uranium, the IISc method uses the membrane’s nanoscale structure to control how different ions move through it. Researchers say the technology could eventually help to support a sustainable supply of nuclear fuel. The method may also have an environmental benefit. It could potentially help to remove uranium contamination from groundwater, which is an important public health concern.
IISc Uranium Extraction from Seawater: New Method Explained
