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Protein-based approach for high-purity Sc, Y, and grouped lanthanide separation

Journal Article · · Separation and Purification Technology
 [1];  [2];  [1];  [2];  [1]
  1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
  2. Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA (United States)

Rare earth elements (REEs: Sc, Y, La- Lu) are irreplaceable components in many clean energy and consumer technologies. However, the extraction and subsequent separation of individual REEs from ore-based feedstocks remains a significant economic and environmental challenge. Here in this work, we investigated the intra-REE separation potential of lanmodulin (LanM), a natural protein from Methylorubrum extorquens that has emerged as a sustainable potential alternative to conventional solvent extraction-based separation. By determining the intra-REE selectivity of immobilized LanM and systematically testing pH-based and small chelator-based (i.e., citrate and malonate) desorption processes, we established the framework and methodology for achieving select individual and grouped REE separations from a mixed REE feedstock. We show that Sc forms the tightest complex with LanM among REEs but can be readily and selectively desorbed using malonate to generate high-purity Sc (>99 % purity, >99 % yield) in a single adsorption/desorption cycle. We further show that the intrinsic REE selectivity of LanM is sufficient to achieve heavy REE (HREE) separation from light and middle REEs (L-MREEs), yielding an yttrium-enriched product. This separation effect is further magnified by pairing LanM’s unique M-LREE preference with a HREE-preferring chelator in the desorption process, which enriches HREE and MREE fractions relative to low value, abundant La/Ce. Finally, by combining pH- and citrate-based desorption processes in a two-cycle separation scheme, we demonstrate the generation of fractions highly enriched in Y, Gd-Lu, Pr-Eu, and La-Ce. Collectively, these data support the application of a LanM-based approach for achieving impactful REE separations from mixed REE feedstocks.

Research Organization:
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:
AC52-07NA27344; SC0021007
OSTI ID:
2315086
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 2229180
Report Number(s):
LLNL--JRNL-852792; 1080159
Journal Information:
Separation and Purification Technology, Journal Name: Separation and Purification Technology Journal Issue: N/A Vol. 333; ISSN 1383-5866
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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