Ultra‐fast uranium recovery from seawater by reusable deep eutectic solvents: Mechanism and life cycle assessment

Three novel hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) based on tributyl phosphate as a hydrogen bond acceptor were designed for selective UO 2 2+ extraction from simulated seawater. Using octanoic acid or 2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetone as hydrogen‐bond donors, the HDESs achieved >96.671% extraction efficiency at low dosages within short contact times, with excellent selectivity in the presence of competing ions. The solvents were efficiently regenerated and exhibited good stability over multiple cycles. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and density functional theory calculations elucidated the formation mechanism and coordination interactions. Life cycle assessment further provides process‐level guidance for future scale‐up, highlighting efficient phase management and solvent reuse as key factors. This work establishes a recyclable platform for uranium recovery from seawater, supporting sustainable nuclear fuel cycles.