Abstract Scope |
Praseodymium and neodymium, rare earth elements (REE), are designated as critical materials because of their importance to the nation’s security and clean energy transition. The processes to mine and refine REEs are currently energy and carbon intensive. Electrochemical separation technologies, including capacitive deionization (CDI), provide a sustainable alternative. In principle, an aqueous solution flows between two porous conductive electrodes under an applied potential. Ions electrosorb to the electrodes and until the potential is removed, resulting in their release. This work demonstrates the applicability of CDI for praseodymium and neodymium separation using activated carbon cloth electrodes. Modification of CDI configuration and operating parameters were assessed, indicating that performance is dependent on operating conditions. Additionally, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy was used to quantify REE concentrations before and after each experiment and confirm REE mass balance. Overall, this work informs the development of a new separation platform for the separation and recovery of REEs. |