RESERCH AREA
Recycling of rare earth elements
Our laboratory is dedicated to contributing to the scientific community in an area that's both challenging and under-researched. We're focused on extracting rare earth elements from industrial wastewater, which is considered the most beneficial recycling method. Our approach is environmentally friendly, aiming to boost our nation's economy by recovering these elements from wastewater and promoting sustainable environmental practices.
The role of rare earth elements in industry
Rare earth elements (REEs) are vital in numerous industries due to their unique properties:
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Electronics: REEs like neodymium are crucial for powerful magnets in electric vehicles and electronics.
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Energy: Cerium is used in catalytic converters for cleaner emissions, while REEs enhance energy-efficient lighting.
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Defense/Aerospace: REEs are essential in radar, missile systems, and lightweight alloys.
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Medical: Gadolinium aids MRI scans for improved medical imaging.
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Environment: REEs serve in pollution control catalysts for cleaner air.
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Renewable Energy: Neodymium magnets are key in wind turbines and solar panels.
Efforts are ongoing to diversify REE sources and ensure a stable supply chain.
What are Rare Earth Elements
Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 chemically similar elements, including neodymium, cerium, and lanthanum, often found together in nature. While not actually rare, they are dispersed in the Earth's crust, making extraction and separation complex. REEs have unique properties, such as magnetism and luminescence, making them essential in electronics (like powerful magnets for electric vehicles), lighting (LEDs), and defense technology. China has dominated REE production, raising concerns about global supply chain security and the need for diversification.