CMI researchers from Ames National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight
Innovation
Dy metal is produced via metallothermic reduction of alternative fluoride salts (REMAFS), without using or generating HF.
Achievement
- For the first time, low-melting sodium dysprosium tetrafluoride has been used as feedstock in the REMAFS process.
- Over 50 grams of dysprosium metal with >99.8% purity and ~90% yield have been successfully produced.
Significance and impact
Domestic dysprosium production would reduce U.S. dependence on foreign sources, while strengthening high-performance magnet production for advanced technologies and defense applications.
Hub Target Addressed
Energy efficient REE metal production.
