Functionalized Porphyrin MOF With Embedded Magnetic Core for Rapid and Recyclable Photocatalytic Uranium Extraction

Abstract Efficient uranium extraction is crucial for sustainable environmental remediation. Zirconium‐based porphyrin metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) emerge as promising photocatalysts for this purpose. Herein, a series of magnetic core‐shell photocatalysts (MNPs@PN‐PCN‐222, MNPs@PN‐PCN‐223, and MNPs@PN‐MOF‐525) is prepared via a one‐pot solvothermal approach, functionalized with phosphate groups (PN) for uranium affinity. Comprehensive characterization confirms successful PN grafting onto MOF surfaces and reveals a pronounced redshift in optical absorption to ≈700 nm due to MNP incorporation, significantly enhancing visible‐light harvesting. Under visible irradiation, MNPs@PN‐PCN‐222 achieves a record uranium adsorption capacity of 1.2 g g −1 (62% extraction efficiency), representing a 9.3 times enhancement over dark conditions. The photocatalyst maintains >80% efficiency over four reuse cycles, demonstrating exceptional stability and magnetic recoverability. This work establishes a generalizable platform for designing high‐performance, recyclable zirconium‐porphyrin photocatalysts for nuclear wastewater treatment.