Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The unique electromagnetic properties of rare earth elements (REEs) have led to rapid technological advances, creating a sharp increase in demand for these materials. The inherent challenges of separating REEs and the significant drawbacks of existing processes have driven the development of a new method known as field-effect separation (FES). This technology leverages electrical and magnetic fields to achieve separation by exploiting the differences in magnetic moments or effective charges of REEs in solution. Experiments on REEs were conducted using a microchannel based separation device, which confines fluid flow to facilitate separation within a field, with metal cations in solution being transported based on their respective electrostatic or magnetic properties. The results demonstrate that separation based on effective charge or paramagnetic properties is achievable. The confinement of fluid flow to microchannels allowed advective and osmotic forces to be suppressed sufficiently such that a reasonable separation of ions was achieved, though the impact of these forces were not completely removed. This innovative approach promises to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of REE separation, addressing both the growing demand and the limitations of current methods.
Source: Eng—Advances in Engineering
DOI: 10.3390/eng5030107
Authors: Benjamin Schroeder, Michael Free, Prashant Sarswat, Easton Sadler, Jacob Burke, Zoe Evans
Institution: University of Utah
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,364
Funder: U.S. Department of Energy
OpenAlex ID: W4402240318