We have developed an ionic liquid-based process for extracting and purifying chitin from shrimp shells for use as a renewable and biodegradable sorbent backbone for the extraction of uranium from seawater. One advantage of this approach is that the ionic liquid we use, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate can also extract biopolymers from other biomass sources which can be combined with chitin to prepare homogenous blends with enhanced properties. While, a sustainable and viable sorbent technology for extraction of uranium from seawater is far from being commercialized, under a Department of Energy Small Business Innovation Research grant, we have proven the general feasibility of the concept. This presentation will discuss the science behind the technology and the progress toward commercial scale operations.

Advanced biodegradable/biorenewable sorbents for uranium extraction from seawater

255th National Meeting (2018)

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