Recycling rare earths: Perspectives and recent advances

Fujita, Yoshiko; McCall, Scott K.; Ginosar, Daniel

doi:10.1557/s43577-022-00301-w

Recycling rare earths: Perspectives and recent advances

Journal Article · Thu Apr 21 00:00:00 EDT 2022 · MRS Bulletin

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1557/s43577-022-00301-w· OSTI ID:1864358

; McCall, Scott K.; Ginosar, Daniel

Abstract

Rare-earth element (REE) demand is expected to increase by a factor of up to 7 by 2040. Recycling avoids the significant hurdles associated with opening new mines, but collection and disassembly of REE-containing devices are barriers. Absolute and relative abundances of REEs and co-occurring constituents differ significantly in secondary compared to primary sources, presenting challenges and opportunities. REE concentrations are typically low, but manufactured devices include only the desired REE, avoiding the “REE balance problem” that besets natural ores. Fewer REEs need to be separated, as compared to separation of the entire lanthanide series. Co-recovery of precious (e.g., Au, Ag, Pt) or base metals (e.g., Cu, Sn, Zn) from e-wastes can offset recycling costs. Some examples of recently developed approaches for REE extraction and separation are presented here, with an emphasis on methods offering environmental benefits such as lower toxic chemical usage and reduced energy costs.

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Research Organization:: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC07-05ID14517; AC52-07NA27344

OSTI ID:: 1864358

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1889722
OSTI ID: 1897352

Report Number(s):: INL/JOU-21-65156; LLNL-JRNL-828876; PII: 301

Journal Information:: MRS Bulletin, Journal Name: MRS Bulletin Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 47; ISSN 0883-7694

Publisher:: Cambridge University Press (CUP)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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