CMI researchers at Ames National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight
Innovation
Room temperature synthesis of water-free rare earth fluoride and subsequent calciothermic reduction
Achievement
- Water-free rare earth fluoride synthesis without hydrofluoric acid
- Demonstrated metal production using synthesized material recovered from recycling of magnets
Significance and Impact
- Eliminating hydrofluoric acid improves operational safety.
- Eliminating pre-reduction calcination step improves energy efficiency and is more environmentally friendly
- Process intensification results in better cost-efficiency
Hub Target Addressed
Advancing efficient and cost-effective rare earth element production
