China unveils breakthrough in seawater uranium extraction
Chinese researchers have developed an innovative technique for extracting uranium from seawater that is more efficient and economical than previous methods. This discovery could advance the development of nuclear energy and allow China to become independent from importing this valuable resource.
Scientists from Hunan University, led by Shuangyin Wang, have devised a new method for obtaining uranium from seawater that is significantly cheaper and more efficient than previous techniques. As "Nature Sustainability" reported, this could revolutionize how we acquire this essential resource.
Seawater contains all the elements found in the Earth's crust, including uranium, with a concentration averaging 3.3 parts per billion. Although uranium in the oceans exceeds 5 billion short tons, its extraction poses challenges because of the low concentration. Previous methods, such as electrochemical processes, were energy-intensive and inefficient.
The new technique, called "bipolar system for electrochemical uranium extraction" (EUE), employs two copper electrodes that enable uranium precipitation at a low voltage of 0.6 V. This system achieves near-total efficiency and is significantly more selective than earlier methods.
Economic and environmental benefits
This method is not only more efficient but also more economical. Extracting uranium costs about 83 dollars per kilogram, half that of previous methods. Additionally, the process uses less energy, making it more environmentally friendly.
Tests using water from the East and South China Seas have shown that this method can extract 100% of the uranium from the water. This advancement allows China to decrease its reliance on uranium imports from countries like Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia, which account for the majority of global production of this critical raw material for nuclear power plants.
The development of this technology could also help reduce radioactive threats in China, where coal often contains large amounts of uranium. The new method can also support the advancement of nuclear energy, an area where the People's Republic of China is a global leader.
