Electrochemical Uranium Extraction from Organic Radioactive Wastewater: New System Design Increases Extraction Rate

     Improvements in minerals extraction technologies continue with a new system that can recover uranium from organic radioactive wastewater with 90% efficiency. Recovering uranium from wastewater is useful as it can reduce uranium mining, which has significant environmental impacts.  A new, highly efficient electrochemical method of recovering uranium from wastewater has been engineered by researchers. The process offers long-term stability and strong tolerance to chemically complex environments. Existing electrochemical uranium extraction:

“…enables controlled operation, rapid response, and high selectivity. However, the technology still struggles with issues like electrode passivation, interference from competing ions, and the high cost of fabricating efficient electrodes.”

     The new study, published in Sustainable Carbon Materials, addresses these issues with a covalent organic framework (COF) dual-function electrode. It utilizes:

“…a self-standing covalent organic framework electrode capable of performing two tasks simultaneously. Built on a carbon cloth support, the electrode contains a polyarylether backbone that drives the oxygen reduction reaction to produce hydrogen peroxide, along with amidoxime groups that selectively bind uranyl ions.”

     The success of the process relies on pH, applied voltage, ionic strength (Na+ concentration), and the in-situ generation of H2O2. Extraction efficiencies exceeding 90% have been achieved. Improved selectivity allows the system to exceed 85% extraction rates even when there is competition from sodium ions. Interference from organic additives in wastewater is also minimized.

“The authors note that several challenges remain before the technology can be widely deployed, including improving electrode fabrication, reducing sensitivity to pH fluctuations, and preventing blockage of active sites during long term operation.”

     Below are some future research directions for the new extraction process.

     Aside from offering the highest recovery rates for electrochemical uranium extraction, the process can also be potentially used to recover uranium from contaminated wastewater as a form of environmental remediation at sensitive sites.

 

      

References:

 

Uranium could be recovered from wastewater with 90% efficiency for nuclear energy. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra. Interesting Engineering. November 27, 2025. Uranium could be recovered from wastewater with 90% efficiency for nuclear energy

Synergistic parameter optimization in electrochemical upcycling of uranyl: mechanisms and perspectives of self-standing COF electrodes. Tao Wen1, , , Muhammad Wakeel. Sustainable Carbon Materials. 2025, Vol. 1. November 2025. Synergistic parameter optimization in electrochemical upcycling of uranyl mechanisms and perspectives of self-standing COF electrodes

New electrochemical strategy boosts uranium recovery from complex wastewater. Peer-Reviewed Publication. Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University. Eureka Alert. November 26, 2025.  New electrochemical strategy boosts uranium recovery from complex wastewater | EurekAlert!