Novel Carbon Nanotubes-Based Adsorbent for Efficient Uranium Extraction from Seawater

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Harbin Engineering University have developed a novel photothermal adsorbent, Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch gum@Diaminoxime diaminomaleonitrile/Carbon nanotube (ASKG@DAO/CNT), which can efficiently extract uranium from seawater. This breakthrough addresses the limitations of previous adsorbents, such as hydrophilicity and selectivity. The new adsorbent exhibits high adsorption capacity (450.87 mg/g) and selectivity (Kd(U)/Kd(V) = 32.20), as well as stable uranyl ion adsorption in marine environments within a short timeframe. Furthermore, the adsorbent maintained substantial adsorption capacity after six cycles and showed a high removal rate of uranium in simulated seawater experiments (89.93%).

Key Takeaways:

  • The development of novel adsorbents for efficient and rapid extraction of uranium from seawater is crucial for sustainable development strategies.
  • The amidoxime (AO) group has demonstrated promising adsorption capabilities, but challenges persist regarding hydrophilicity and selectivity.
  • The incorporation of carbon nanotube (CNT) in the new adsorbent, ASKG@DAO/CNT, facilitates rapid photothermal heating, while amidoximated diaminomaleonitrile provides the required adsorption sites.
  • The presence of abundant hydrophilic groups within ASKG enables stable uranyl ion adsorption in marine environments within a short timeframe.
  • Batch adsorption experiments show that ASKG@DAO/CNT achieves high adsorption capacity (450.87 mg/g) and selectivity (Kd(U)/Kd(V) = 32.20).
  • The adsorbent maintained a substantial adsorption capacity (317.34 mg/g) after six cycles.
  • Simulated seawater experiments achieved a high removal rate of uranium (89.93%).
  • Researchers obtained financial support from the Postdoctoral Scientific Research Developmental Fund of Heilongjiang Province and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.

Statistics:

  • 450.87 mg/g: high adsorption capacity of ASKG@DAO/CNT
  • 32.20: selectivity (Kd(U)/Kd(V)) of ASKG@DAO/CNT
  • 89.93%: removal rate of uranium in simulated seawater experiments
  • 450.87 mg/g: adsorption capacity of ASKG@DAO/CNT after six cycles
  • 317.34 mg/g: substantial adsorption capacity of ASKG@DAO/CNT after six cycles

Sources:

  • VerticalNews (2025, October 20)
  • NewsRx LLC (2025, October 20)
  • Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (2025, Vol. 13, Issue 5)
  • Artemisinin Gum/carbon Nanotube Photothermal Composite Hydrogel With Amidoxime Groups for Efficient Uranium Extraction (Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2025;13(5))
  • Jianwei Bai, Maokui Li, Long Huo, Junhang Wang, Xuanyu Li, Shimin Fang, Ruiqi Li, and Chunhong Zhang (Harbin Engineering University)