Scandium and yttrium separation from simulated allanite leachate 

bar chart shows Lanmodulin protein-based process for Sc, Y, and grouped lanthanide separation from a simulated allanite leachate (pH 3). Plot depicts the composition of Sc, Y, HREE, MREE, and La+Ce fractions.  Dong et al. (manuscript in preparation)
Lanmodulin protein-based process for Sc, Y, and grouped lanthanide separation from a simulated allanite leachate (pH 3). Plot depicts the composition of Sc, Y, HREE, MREE, and La+Ce fractions. 

CMI researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Penn State conducted the research for this highlight.

Innovation
Use of lanmodulin protein for REE separation from leachate of a low-grade, abundant domestic feedstock.

Achievement
LanM protein-based scandium and yttrium separation method demonstrated with a simulated leachate of allanite ore source material

Significance and Impact

  • Sc separated from REEs in high yield (>99%), high purity (>99%)
  • Y separated from REEs at >90% purity and yield
  • High value Pr-Eu mixture enriched at the expense of low value La and Ce
  • Supports a potential method for high-purity Sc and Y recovery from allanite ore 
  • Approach will be extended to Fe-depleted allanite leachate produced at PSU

Hub Target Addressed 
Unlocking unconventional resources for critical materials.

Dong et al. (manuscript in preparation)