Bigger is better: scaling lanmodulin column for higher purity

two line graphs: Testing the LanM separation process with REO (13% Dy of total REE content) generated from end-of-life Nissan Leaf motors. Dissolved (HCl; pH 1) REO solution was adjusted to pH 3 and applied to a 5 cm length (1 ml) or 20 cm length (8 ml) LanM column until ~70% capacity was achieved (immediately prior to breakthrough). The column was subjected to a two-step pH elution process (pH 2.1 and 1.5) and the Nd, Pr, and Dy concentrations were measured. The relative REE composition for each desorption step is indicated as % of total metal. A manuscript describing these results is being drafted.
Testing the LanM separation process with REO (13% Dy of total REE content) generated from end-of-life Nissan Leaf motors. Dissolved (HCl; pH 1) REO solution was adjusted to pH 3 and applied to a 5 cm length (1 ml) or 20 cm length (8 ml) LanM column until ~70% capacity was achieved (immediately prior to breakthrough). The column was subjected to a two-step pH elution process (pH 2.1 and 1.5) and the Nd, Pr, and Dy concentrations were measured. The relative REE composition for each desorption step is indicated as % of total metal. A manuscript describing these results is being drafted.

CMI researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Ames National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

Innovation
Scaling lanmodulin (LanM) column enables single-stage Dy separation from a mixed rare earth oxide (REO) prepared from a Nissan Leaf motor using the Acid-free Dissolution Recycling (ADR) process.

Achievement
Scaled LanM column from 5 cm to 20 cm. In a single adsorption/desorption cycle starting with a solution prepared from REO with 13% Dy, increasing length improved content and yield.

Significance and Impact
Suggests that separation efficiency may improve as the LanM separation process is scaled.

Next Steps
Test a range of mixed REO compositions produced by the ADR process and use this data as a baseline to evaluate the performance of size-reduced LanMs.

Hub Target Addressed 
Sustainable method for REE recycling from end-of-life consumer products.