In a move that could reshape clean energy and water treatment, scientists from Lanzhou University have unveiled a nature-inspired membrane that efficiently harvests uranium from seawater and salt lakes. This innovation tackles China’s uranium shortage while offering eco-friendly solutions for global energy needs. 🌱⚡
Inspired by plant cell walls that strengthen under pressure, the team merged graphene oxide with engineered bacteria to create a super-stable filter. The result? A material 12x stronger than previous designs that precisely captures uranium ions—like a high-tech molecular fishing net. 🎣
\"This isn’t just lab magic,\" said lead researcher Li Zhan. \"It’s a sustainable blueprint for turning oceans into uranium reservoirs.\" Team member Tian Longlong added the membrane’s low energy demands and industrial scalability could fast-track real-world applications, from nuclear fuel production to cleaning polluted water. 💧🌍
While refining production methods, researchers highlight broader potential: combating resource scarcity, energy crises, and environmental damage. Could this be the key to unlocking a greener future? Stay tuned! 🚀
