CMI Highlight: Neutral Extractant Advanced Rare Earth Separation Technology
CMI researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight.
Innovation
Neutral Extractant Advanced Rare Earth Separation Technology (NEAREST) is an alternative rare earth separation process for critical materials essential to the economy, national security, and clean energy.
Achievement
Recognized as an R&D 100 Award winner for the development of an innovative technology with significant scientific and industrial impact.
Significance and Impact
Improves separation efficiency by using two neutral organic compounds with reverse lanthanide selectivity.
Reduces the number of processing steps needed to isolate individual rare earth elements by 50%.
Demonstrates a pathway toward more efficient and scalable solvent-extraction processes.
Hub Target Addressed
Rare Earth Elements - Developing processes to recover and separate REEs from traditional or unconventional sources.
