Environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient method for recovery of rare-earth elements

Rare-earth elements (REEs) have excellent electronic, optic, catalytic, and magnetic properties, making them useful for a wide range of applications, such as catalysts, phosphors and pigments, batteries, permanent magnets, and ceramics. The global REE consumption was estimated at 119,650 metric tons in the form of rare-earth oxides (REOs) in 2016 with catalysts being the largest segment, followed by permanent magnets. Diverse methodologies for recycling Nd–Fe–B (neodymium, iron and boron) permanent magnets are currently under development which can be broadly classified into direct re-use, alloy reprocessing and raw material recovery. In conventional hydrometallurgical processes large amounts of acid, alkali and other precipitation agents are used which cannot be recycled in the whole process and consequently a considerable amount of wastewater is produced. A Slovenian research institute has developed a novel method for recovery of the REEs from Nd–Fe–B magnet scraps, which allows the selective leaching and recovery of the REEs with high efficiency and in a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective way. The method includes anodic oxidation of the magnet scraps and precipitation of rare-earth salts. Currently the research group can produce a few dozens grams of rare-earth salts using this procedure. In order to apply the procedure on an industrial level, the method needs to be scaled up. For the scale up, large baths for anodic oxidation and engineering knowledge are needed. The research group has a lot of experience in magnetic materials and their development, access to research infrastructure, as well as several cooperation projects with industry. The research institute is looking for industrial partners for technical cooperation agreement and license agreement. Industrial partners should be companies that recycle magnets and magnet scraps and producers of rare-earth oxides and alloys. Expertise in electrochemistry is desired. Within the technical cooperation agreement, the partner sought shall jointly with Slovenian institute scale up the method and employ the method in their production process. If the partner successfully implements the method in his production process, he will be invited to sign a license agreement.