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Potential for light-induced separation of critical rare-earth elements

Journal Article · · Trends in Chemistry
 [1];  [1]
  1. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Current methods for separations of critical rare earth elements (REEs) require multi-step, waste-generating procedures that lack the ability to selectively separate similarly sized ions, despite such an onerous process. REEs possess unique optoelectronic properties that are often exploited for photomagnetic or photoluminescent applications but could be harnessed to drive element selective separations. Here, recent work exploring photochemical reactions of REE complexes points to promise for investigating alternative separations using photoactive molecules and macromolecular frameworks, highlighting a possible pathway towards realizing practical REE separations to increase the sustainability and longevity of mining and recycling these elements.
Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences Division (CSGB); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Materials Sciences & Engineering Division (MSE)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
2426385
Report Number(s):
NREL/JA--5900-89891; MainId:90670; UUID:732e0e7c-3b2b-43f1-9061-9bb60166c096; MainAdminId:72884
Journal Information:
Trends in Chemistry, Journal Name: Trends in Chemistry Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 6; ISSN 2589-5974
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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