Electrochemical techniques for uranium extraction from water
Savan K. Raj, Andrew Carrier, Brian Youden, Mark R. Servos, Ken D. Oakes, Xu Zhang
Abstract
Electrochemical removal of uranium from water is an emerging topic that addresses the treatment of drinking water, remediation of contaminated sites, and mining from seawater. Electrochemical strategies compare favorably to conventional processes, such as adsorption and coagulation/flocculation, with advantages in speed and efficiency, materials regeneration, uranium recovery, and recycling. This review assesses all published work on electrochemical techniques for uranium extraction from water, including capacitive deionization (electrosorption), electrodeposition, electrodialysis, and electrocoagulation. This work compares these approaches with conventional techniques and discusses their applicability in different use cases. Environmental and economic considerations are discussed, as well as the current outlook and opportunities for engagement in this emerging field.