China's breakthrough in uranium extraction from seawater
Chinese researchers have developed an innovative technique for extracting uranium from seawater, which is more efficient and economical than previous methods. This discovery could lead to advancements in nuclear energy and enable China to become independent from importing this valuable resource.
Scientists from Hunan University in China, led by Shuangyin Wang, have introduced a new method for obtaining uranium from seawater that is significantly cheaper and more efficient than earlier techniques. As "Nature Sustainability" reported, this could revolutionize how we acquire this valuable resource.
Seawater contains all the elements found in the Earth's crust, including uranium, with a concentration averaging 3.3 parts per billion. Although the oceans contain over 4.5 billion metric tonnes of uranium, extracting it is challenging due to the low concentration. Previous methods, such as the electrochemical process, were energy-intensive and inefficient.
The new technique, called "bipolar system for electrochemical uranium extraction" (EUE), uses two copper electrodes that enable uranium precipitation at a low voltage of 0.6 V. This system achieves an efficiency rate close to 100% and is significantly more selective than previous methods.
Economic and environmental benefits
The new method is not only more efficient but also economical. The cost of extracting uranium is about CAD 111 per kilogram, approximately half the cost of previous methods. Additionally, the system uses less energy, making it more environmentally friendly.
Tests conducted using water from the East and South China Seas have shown that this method can extract 100% of the uranium from the water. This allows China to reduce its reliance on uranium imports from countries like Kazakhstan, Canada, or Australia, which contribute significantly to the global production of this crucial raw material for nuclear power plants.
The development of this technology could also help mitigate radioactive threats in China, where coal often contains significant amounts of uranium. The new method can support the development of nuclear energy, an area where the People's Republic of China is a global leader.
