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Researchers at Nankai University in Tianjin, China, developed the concept of a solar-powered desalination system that produces fresh water by using smart DNA hydrogels that does not consume additional energy, compared to conventional desalination strategies currently in use, such as reverse osmosis, which use copious amounts of energy, according to a paper published in the journal Science Advances on Thursday.
The same process can be used simultaneously to extract uranium from seawater or treat uranyl containing nuclear wastewater, the researchers said.
The new solar-powered concept, which fabricates a DNA hydrogel matrix, incorporates the ability to absorb sunlight and reduce the amount of energy required to evaporate water.
In addition, the smart DNA hydrogels used in the new concept incorporate functional DNA molecules that can respond to various stimuli, such as changes in pH or metal ions, and therefore can be used to extract uranyl ions found in low concentrations in seawater, according to the paper.
The matrix uses DNA-tethered polyacrylamide networks geared to target uranyl and is also loaded with graphene oxide, a typical material used to absorb solar radiation, according to the study.
Uranium, the main fuel for nuclear energy, and other valuable minerals and resources will be able to be extracted from seawater with the new process, Guo said, adding that the DNA structures can be programmed to extract other targets, such as lithium ions.
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