Electrocatalytic Recovery of Uranium Using Reusable Three-Dimensional Wood-Based Electrode

Uranium mining generates substantial wastewater, causing environmental risks and resulting in resource loss. Though electrochemical reduction offers a promising method for simultaneous wastewater treatment and uranium recovery, implementation remains constrained by expensive electrodes, inadequate removal efficiency, and frequent regeneration. In this study, a sustainable electrocatalytic approach utilizing a three-dimensional wood-based electrode was developed for uranium recovery. This approach effectively reduces U(VI) to U(IV)O2, achieving 95.2% removal efficiency (k = 1.39 h–1) across concentrations of 0.2–50 μM, lowering uranium to levels below World Health Organization drinking water standards (0.13 μM). The electrode’s electrocatalytic properties, particularly its expanded active surface area and decreased charge transfer resistance, allow uranium recovery at higher potential (−0.40 V) with reduced energy demands. The uranium recovery capacity (7.58 × 105 μmol m–2, incomplete saturation) exceeds conventional TiO2 cathode systems 48-fold, largely eliminating the need for frequent regeneration. This exceptional capacity is attributed to the electrode’s unique three-dimensional channel structure and substantial specific surface area, confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. Furthermore, uranium extraction using NaHCO3 achieves >90.53% recovery efficiency through 20 regeneration cycles. By integrating renewable electrode materials with enhanced electrocatalytic performance and capacity, this approach provides a scalable, sustainable solution for uranium recycling and wastewater remediation.