American energy companies recover rare earth elements from used lithium batteries!
Guide: American Resources is developing a process to separate pure rare earth metals from lithium ion batteries used in electric vehicles or renewable energy-based power plants. this technique has been described as a two-zone ligand-assisted replacement chromatography (LAD) capable of producing metals with high yields and purity of more than 99%, respectively.
American Energy Corporation develops new renewable processes Recovery of rare earth elements from used lithium batteries
U.S.-based raw material supplier American Resources is developing a technology to recycle rare earth metals such as neodymium (Nd),\57557;(Pr) and \57557;(Dy) after the life cycle of lithium-ion batteries.
A paper published by the American Chemical Society shows how researchers at Purdue University in Indiana extracted pure carbon from plastic waste and turned it into an anode material for a lithium-ion battery that powered a toy truck. The team claimed that the method could be easily extended. In addition, the development of electric vehicles can also create a considerable market for this anode material.
The company's patented technology from Purdue University in February includes a process of separating pure rare earth metals and key elements from lithium-ion batteries used in coal by-products, recycled permanent magnets and electric vehicles or power plants based on renewable energy.
this technique has been described as a two-zone ligand-assisted replacement chromatography (LAD) capable of producing metals with high yields and purity of more than 99%, respectively. Replacement chromatography is a preparation technique that is usually used to place the sample on the stigma and then replace it by solute.
American Energy Corporation develops new renewable processes Recovery of rare earth elements from used lithium batteries
The system is based on the zoning method and is said to have an overall production capacity of more than 100 kg of rare earth elements per cubic metre per day. it requires three chromatographic columns, an extractant, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and other unspecified environmental chemicals.
Compared with the traditional acid-based method using two-phase liquid-liquid extraction process, it is said that the LAD has no adverse effect on the environment. On the other hand, the researchers say that because of the highly similar chemical and physical properties of rare earth metals, traditional technology also has difficulties in separating rare earth metals.
"Overall, the process chain of our technology and raw materials enables us to help restore the domestic supply chain of these key materials in the most sustainable and environmentally friendly way ever ," said Mark Jansen, chief executive of American Resources. Purdue's team is an important part of it, and we look forward to actively promoting the commercialization of technology, demonstrating low-cost and environmentally sensitive technologies ." Meanwhile, other Purdue University scientists have developed a process to extract pure carbon from plastic waste and convert it into anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
