Peptide–carbon hybrid membranes for highly efficient and selective extraction of actinides from rare earth elements

Abstract

It is challenging to efficiently and selectively extract actinides from rare earth elements (REEs). Here, we recovered uranium (U(VI)) and thorium (Th(IV)) from REEs using a cost-effective peptide–carbon hybrid membrane through rapid pressure-driven filtration. The incorporation of peptides and activated carbon into the membrane synergistically improves the adsorption of U(VI) and Th(IV) from REEs. The distribution coefficients (K_d) of the hybrid membrane for U(VI) and Th(IV) are 4 to 5 orders of magnitude higher than those for other REEs at pH 3.8. The saturation adsorption capacities (Q_m) for U(VI) and Th(IV) are much higher than those of the previously reported adsorbents. More importantly, the hybrid membranes have the ability to reduce the concentrations of multiple heavy metal ions (HMIs) by at least 3 orders of magnitude simultaneously. All these properties would ensure the hybrid membrane with a promising future in wastewater processing.