CMI Highlight: Comparative LCA of germanium production from unconventional sources using chlorinated distillation and solvent extraction
CMI researchers at Missouri S&T conducted the research for this highlight
Innovation
Developed material flowsheets for both processing routes, estimated energy consumption, and modelled in SimaPro using Ecoinvent background data to calculate potential environmental life cycle impacts of their product systems.
Achievement
Demonstrated that chlorinated distillation outperforms solvent extraction in 13 of 18 impact categories for producing single-crystal germanium from unconventional sources.
Significance and Impact
This study establishes robust comparative LCA data for these germanium production pathways to support future improvements and sustainable critical mineral process development.
Hub Target Addressed
Recovering critical materials from unconventional sources.
