Scientists in China create a predator-like material to hunt for uranium in the ocean

Breakthrough could aid radioactive pollution clean-ups and allow for uranium ion extraction from seawater to power nuclear reactors

For China, which is rapidly expanding its nuclear power fleet, the challenge has significant strategic implications because the country remains heavily dependent on imported uranium supplies.

“Researchers overseas have studied light-driven micromotors before, but not many have specifically used them for uranium extraction,” Yongquan Zhou, lead scientist of the team, said in an interview on Wednesday.

The researchers engineered sponge-like particles measuring just 2 micrometres across – far thinner than a human hair – and modified their internal chemical structure to keep them stable in water over long periods.

Scientists in China create a predator-like material to hunt for uranium in ocean

Source: News - South China Morning Post