via Eurasia Review
Uranium can perform reactions that previously no one thought possible, which could transform the way industry makes bulk chemicals, polymers, and the precursors to new drugs and plastics, according to new findings from The University of Manchester.
Writing in the journal Nature Communications, the chemists have discovered that uranium can perform reactions that used to be the preserve of transition metals such as rhodium and palladium. And because uranium sits between different types of reactivity of lanthanides and transition metals it might be able to combine the best of both to give new ways of producing materials and chemicals.
This discovery is also profiled in a new video which is part of a series produced by the School of Chemistry. Other videos show how chemists at Manchester have developed the world’s smallest fuel powered motor and identified that Parkinson’s sufferers can have a unique smell identifying the disease – before any medical professional can see symptoms.
The YouTube series attempts to put world class scientific papers into words that anyone can understand.
The CAMERA (Chemistry at Manchester Explains Research Advances) series of films is available to watch and subscribe to here.
The latest discovery means that industry might now be in a position to develop new compounds that can’t be made in any other way.
What’s more, uranium is one of the elements we know the least about and while it is associated with nuclear weapons and nuclear power, the new discovery suggests other uses may be on the horizon.
Steve Liddle, Professor and Head of Inorganic Chemistry, and author of the paper, said: “This discovery will lead to some monumental developments that could change the way we live. Development work like this really could pave the way for new medicines and also the creation of truly biodegradable hard plastic.
“It is comparable to the discovery of liquid crystal displays, which happened 20 years before everyone sat up and realised that they could be used in modern computer displays and TVs.”
Learn more: Uranium to replace plastic? Chemistry breakthrough could pave the way for new materials
The Latest on: Uranium
- Why Energy Fuels, Denison Mines, and Uranium Energy Stocks All Crashed Todayon June 17, 2021 at 10:31 am
Denison Mines ( NYSEMKT:DNN), and Uranium Energy ( NYSEMKT:UEC) stocks resumed falling Thursday, dropping 7.6%, 9.7%, and 10.2%, respectively, through 12:50 p.m. EDT after rebounding in price earlier ...
- Global Uranium Mining to 2025 - Updated with Impact of COVID-19on June 17, 2021 at 3:20 am
Pages Report] Check for Discount on Global Uranium Mining to 2025 - Updated with Impact of COVID-19 report by GlobalData. Global Uranium Mining to 2025 - Updated with Impact of ...
- Iranian Confirms 6.5 kg Stockpile of 60-Percent Enriched Uraniumon June 16, 2021 at 11:56 am
Iran announced Tuesday that it has produced and stockpiled 6.5 kilograms (14.3 pounds) of 60-percent enriched uranium, in addition to 108 kilograms of uranium enriched to 20 percent purity. Purity of ...
- Uranium Investors Have Become Overly Reactiveon June 15, 2021 at 3:45 pm
A group of uranium mining companies saw their stock prices plunge after a performance issue was flagged at a Chinese nuclear power plant. The reaction seems overdone.
- Amid nuclear talks, Iran says 6.5kg of uranium enriched to 60%on June 15, 2021 at 9:57 am
Iranian government spokesperson Ali Rabiei made the announcement as world powers met in Vienna for the latest round of talks aimed at restoring the landmark nuclear accord.
- Biden administration eyes step toward Trump-era proposal for uranium reserveon June 15, 2021 at 9:49 am
The Biden administration will take a step toward establishing a reserve for uranium, a proposal pushed by the prior Trump administration that could boost mining of the mineral as well as nuclear ...
- Iran says it produced 6.5 kg of uranium enriched to 60%on June 15, 2021 at 8:41 am
Iran has made 6.5 kg (14 lb) of uranium enriched to up to 60%, the government said on Tuesday, detailing a move that rattled the country's nuclear talks with world powers by taking the fissile ...
- Why Uranium Energy, Cameco Corporation, and NexGen Energy Stocks All Crashed Todayon June 14, 2021 at 10:08 am
Cameco (NYSE: CCJ), and NexGen Energy (NYSEMKT: NXE) stocks all dropped in afternoon trading Monday, falling 7.5%, 8.7%, and 9.2%, respectively, through 12:30 p.m. EDT. That's curious, considering how ...
- International Consolidated Uranium Provides Update on Laguna Salada Option Agreementon June 11, 2021 at 4:35 am
International Consolidated Uranium Inc. (“CUR” or the “Company”) (TSXV: CUR) is pleased to provide the following updates on the option agreement (the “Option Agreement”) with U3O8 Corp. (“U308”) (TSXV ...
- Hedge Fund Behind Amazon-MGM Deal Amasses Big Bet on Uraniumon June 10, 2021 at 3:22 am
New York hedge fund Anchorage Capital Group has amassed a holding of a few million pounds of uranium, people familiar with the matter say, in a bet that prices of the nuclear fuel will recover after a ...
via Google News and Bing News
