A synergistic coordination-reduction interface for electrochemical reductive extraction of uranium with low impurities from seawater

Electrochemical extraction of uranium from seawater is a promising strategy for the sustainable supply of nuclear fuel, whereas the current progress suffers from the co-deposition of impurities. Herein, we construct a synergistic coordination-reduction interface in CMOS@NSF, achieving electrochemical extraction of black UO2 product from seawater. The internal sulfur of CoMoOS tailors the electron distribution, resulting in the electron accumulation of terminal O sites for strong uranyl binding. Meanwhile, the interfacial connection of CoMoOS with Ni3S2 accelerates the electron transfer and promoted the reductive properties. Such synergistic coordination-reduction interface ensures the formation and preservation of tetravalent uranium, preventing the co-deposition of alkalis in crystalline transformation. From natural seawater, CMOS@NSF exhibits an electrochemical extraction capacity of 2.65 mg g−1 d−1 with black UO2 solid products as final products. This work provides an efficient strategy for the electrochemical uranium extraction from seawater with low impurities. Electrochemical extraction of uranium from seawater is a promising strategy for the sustainable impurities. Herein, Guo et al construct a synergistic coordination-reduction interface, achieving electrochemical extraction of black UO2 product from seawater.