Encapsulation of Uranium Oxide in Multiwall WS₂ Nanotubes

Abstract Uranium is a high‐value energy element, yet also poses an appreciable environmental burden. The demand for a straightforward, low energy, and environmentally friendly method for encapsulating uranium species can be beneficial for long‐term storage of spent uranium fuel and a host of other applications. Leveraging on the low melting point (60 °C) of uranyl nitrate hexahydrate and nanocapillary effect, a uranium compound is entrapped in the hollow core of WS₂ nanotubes. Followingly, the product is reduced at elevated temperatures in a hydrogen atmosphere. Nanocrystalline UO₂ nanoparticles anchor within the WS₂ nanotube lumen are obtained through this procedure. Such methodology can find utilization in the processing of spent nuclear fuel or other highly active radionuclides as well as a fuel for deep space missions. Moreover, the low melting temperatures of different heavy metal‐nitrate hydrates, pave the way for their encapsulation within the hollow core of the WS₂ nanotubes, as demonstrated herein.