Résumé
The sustainable production of energy is one of the most important scientific and technological challenges facing humanity. Current global energy consumption exceeds 13 terrawatts [1] and is expected to double by 2050 due to growing population and increased standards of living [2]. An astounding 81% of the current power demand is met by burning fossil fuels, which is also the primary source of atmospheric pollution and responsible for 3 million deaths annually [3]. Nuclear power is a mature, low-carbon technology capable of meeting this growing energy demand, though necessary improvements in the nuclear fuel cycle present numerous opportunities for application of porous nanostructured materials [4]. In particular, novel sorbents are critically needed to extract uranium from seawater for nuclear fuel production, as well as for removal of radionuclides from waste streams, and environmental remediation.