The wisdom utilization of nuclear energy occupies a core and irreplaceable position in consolidating national defense security and transforming an
energy system to greenization. While the nuclear
energy technology is vigorously developed, how to properly manage and efficiently recycle
depleted uranium (especially 238U, although the
depleted uranium does not cause direct radioactive hazards to human bodies) generated in the nuclear energy application process becomes a critical technical challenge faced by the field of
environmental protection and
sustainable development. Particularly, U3O8 prepared by depleting UF6 is used as a
raw material, UO4. 2H2O prepared by a simple
dissolution and re-
precipitation method is used as a catalyst, and
aniline is catalyzed and oxidized to synthesize diphenyl diazene or derivatives thereof. According to the invention, on one hand, a mode of recycling the
depleted uranium waste is created, a brand new conversion way is found for the waste which is traditionally considered as a difficult problem, and on the other hand, a bridge from
aniline and derivatives thereof to a high value-added chemical, namely diphenyl diazene or derivatives thereof, is skillfully erected. Potential threats of the depleted
uranium waste to the environment can be effectively reduced, green transformation and
resource utilization of the waste are achieved, meanwhile, the
chemical industry can be promoted to proceed towards the more efficient and environment-friendly direction, and
economic benefits are remarkably improved for the
chemical industry.