Electrochemical selective recovery of thorium from rare earths using an amidoxime modified graphite felt electrode

Abstract

Thorium (Th) is a natural radioactive element often associated with rare earths. The efficient recovery of Th is not only essential for environmental protection, but also facilitates its potential reuse as a nuclear fuel. A graphite felt electrode modified with amidoxime (GF-AO) was synthesized for the electrochemical recovery of Th in this study. The GF-AO electrode demonstrated a high recovery capacity and excellent selectivity towards Th. Under the action of an electric field between the electrodes, the selectivity of separation between Th and rare earths was significantly improved. The physical and chemical recovery capacity of the GF-AO electrode for Th was 121.51 mg g⁻¹, while its electrochemical recovery capacity reached 3431 mg g⁻¹. The excellent capacity and selectivity of the GF-AO electrode provides a new approach for the green and efficient recovery of Th.