A unique method of rare-earth recycling can strengthen the material independence

The scientific team of Dr. Miloslav Polášek at IOCB Prague has developed a new method of separating the rare earth elements, or lanthanides, which are widely used in the electronic, medical, automotive, and defense industries. The unique method allows metals such as neodymium or dysprosium to be purified from used neodymium magnets. The environmentally friendly process precipitates the rare earths from water without organic solvents or toxic substances. The results were published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS) at the end of June.

Global demand for rare earths is driven primarily by their use in extremely strong neodymium magnets, which enable efficient conversion of motion into electrical energy and vice versa. They are essential to manufacturers of electric cars, wind power plants, mobile phones, computers, and data centers. As these industries develop, demand for rare earths will continue to grow. However, the process of mining and purifying these elements is highly energy intensive and produces large amounts of toxic and radioactive waste.

Read the full press release on the web IOCB.

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