CMI researchers from Ames National Laboratory and Terves conducted the activity for this highlight
Innovation
Large-scale production of neodymium metal (>0.5 kg) and didymium metal (≥ 1.0 kg) was achieved via metallothermic reduction of sodium rare earth fluoride, NaNdF4 or Na(NdPr)F4, as the feedstock.
Achievement
- The REMAFS method enables scalable rare earth metal production by eliminating hydrogen fluoride in salt synthesis and reduction.
- By completely avoiding hydrofluoric acid (HF), REMAFS provides a safer, more environmentally sustainable alternative for rare earth metallothermic reduction processes.
Significance and Impact
- Demonstrated kilogram-scale production of rare earth metal (Nd and NdPr) from 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.
