CMI achieves more efficient, less polluting rare earth metal production

diagram of conductance cellelectrolysis system

CMI scientists at Colorado School of Mines conducted this research for project "Molten Fluorides for Rare Earth Electroreduction"

Achievement:
Established and experimentally validated a mathematical model quantifying molten salt electrolysis of Nd2O3 in NdF3–LiF, reducing energy consumption in the lab from 37–69%.

Significance and Impact:

  • Enables domestic production of rare earth metal for manufacture of magnets. 
  • Helps to integrate the rare earth supply chain by accepting oxides from mining.

Approach:

  • Developed a cell for measuring the electrical conductivity of the molten fluorides, enabling better heat-balance estimation;
  • Elucidated the mechanism of organofluorine generation.