CMI research on cover of journal: Sustainable urban mining of critical elements from magnet and electronic wastes

CMI scientists at Ames Laboratory conducted this research in Reuse & Recycling with techno-economic analysis contribution from a CMI project in Crosscutting Research conducted at the University of Arizona and Purdue University. 

Achievement

Journal publication on the acid-free leaching process for recycling rare-earth elements and cobalt from waste magnet and e-waste materials is published and highlighted as a supplementary cover in ACS high impact journal (https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b05741)

Significance and impact

The process allows for selective leaching of rare-earth elements and cobalt from magnet-containing materials (swarfs, decrepitated powder, e-wastes) and eliminates the use of volatile toxic acid, hence an environment-friendly process

Details and next steps

  • Optimize the process to enhance opportunity for technology transfer
  • Update techno-economic analysis to reflect the optimized process
  • Extend the principles of the technology to other application
Supplementary cover of journal which highlights ‘Sustainable Urban Mining of Critical Elements from Magnet and Electronic Wastes’ paper. Available online on January 27, 2020.
Supplementary cover of journal which highlights ‘Sustainable Urban Mining of Critical Elements from Magnet and Electronic Wastes’ paper. Available online on January 27, 2020.