Uranium extraction from seawater is essential for sustainable nuclear energy but remains kinetically limited by ultralow concentration and slow ion diffusion. Inspired by the Stokes-Einstein equation, we can predict the rise in local temperature would increase the diffusion coefficient for uranyl ions. Here we report a generalizable photothermal strategy by depositing amorphous Ta2O5/C-HoMS onto amidoxime-functionalized polyethylene fibers. The unique multi-shelled and compartmentalized architecture of HoMS facilitates both efficient solar-to-thermal conversion and enhanced mass transport. Under solar irradiation, the composite generates localized heating, which accelerates uranyl diffusion and raises the adsorption capacity by 27% compared to dark conditions, while maintaining over 91% capacity after seven consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles. Systematic light-versus-dark comparisons demonstrate that the photothermal effect is the key driver for enhanced kinetics for uranium uptake. This work provides a simple, universal and efficient platform for solar-driven uranium recovery, paving a practical route toward sustainable nuclear fuel supply from ocean.
Shabbir et al. (2026) studied this question.