Solvent-driven fractional crystallization for atom-efficient separation of metal salts from permanent magnet leachates.

ABSTRACT: This work reports a dimethyl ether-driven fractional crystallization process for separating rare earth elements and transition metals. The process has been successfully applied in the treatment of rare earth element-bearing permanent magnet leachates as an atom-efficient, reagent-free separation method. Using ~5 bar pressure, the solvent was dissolved into the aqueous system to displace the contained metal salts as solid precipitates. Treatments at distinct temperatures ranging from 20-31 °C enable crystallization of either lanthanide-rich or transition metal-rich products, with single-stage solute recovery of up to 95.9% and a separation factor as high as 704. Separation factors increase with solution purity, suggesting feasibility for eco-friendly solution treatments in series and parall

SUBMITTER: Stetson C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9249736 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature