Selective electrochemical recovery of rare earth element ions from aqueous media (SELLEREE)

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Volker Presser
• Subject Area: Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 544702211

The SELLEREE project explores the recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from aqueous solutions through an innovative electrochemical method. This method promises high efficiency, low energy requirements, and environmental sustainability, addressing the critical need for sustainable technology development. Rare Earth Elements are indispensable in numerous high-tech applications, yet their extraction and purification through conventional methods pose significant environmental and efficiency challenges. The project challenges the current state-of-the-art in REE harvesting, which is predominantly reliant on energy-intensive and environmentally detrimental hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical techniques. These conventional methods lack selectivity and efficiency, necessitating a more sustainable and targeted approach. The electrochemical method proposed in SELLEREE represents a paradigm shift in REE recovery. Electrochemical separation offers distinct advantages over traditional methods, including reduced energy consumption and enhanced environmental compatibility. However, current literature reveals a gap in understanding the interaction dynamics between REE ions and electrode materials, particularly in the context of selectivity and efficiency. The project employs nanoporous carbon electrodes, known for their cost-effectiveness, abundance, and environmental safety. The project's central hypothesis is that enhancing the selectivity of these electrodes towards REE ions can be achieved through targeted modifications. The research will involve a comprehensive study of various factors influencing REE ion adsorption, including the competition between hydrated REE ions and other ions, surface modifications of carbon electrodes, and the influence of operational parameters on adsorption dynamics. The project is characterized by a multi-faceted approach, encompassing the synthesis and modification of carbon electrodes, electrochemical characterization correlating material properties with electrochemical behavior, and rigorous selectivity measurements using both standard REE salts and real-world samples. Anticipated outcomes include a profound understanding of the mechanisms driving selectivity in carbon electrodes, optimized materials for REE recovery, and significant contributions to the fields of materials science and electrochemistry. The project aligns with strategic goals for sustainable resource management and addresses a pressing need in the technology and environmental sectors.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants