CMI researchers at Ames National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight
Innovation
- The sodium-lean fluoride precursor was synthesized through an ambient-temperature aqueous-phase reaction, without using or generating HF.
- Nd metal is produced via metallothermic reduction of sodium-lean neodymium fluoride salts.
Achievement
Successfully produced about 1 kg of Na(lean)‑Nd‑F by scaling the process threefold through reuse of the same water across three batches, reducing NaF usage by ~40% without affecting final Nd metal purity (≥99.6%).
Significance and Impact
- Demonstrated 100g-scale production of rare earth metal (Nd) from sodium-lean feedstock without using or generating hazardous chemicals.
- Supports domestic Nd metal and Nd-Fe-B magnet production.
Hub Target Addressed
Energy-efficient rare earth metals production.
