About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Rare Metal Extraction & Processing
|
| Presentation Title |
Selective Adsorption of Rare Earth Elements Using Engineered Mesoporous Materials: Mechanistic Insights into Size-Dependent Separation |
| Author(s) |
Prashant K. Sarswat, Michael Free, Easton Sadler, Benjamin David Schroeder |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Prashant K. Sarswat |
| Abstract Scope |
Rare earth elements (REEs) are vital to a wide array of technological and strategic applications, ranging from clean energy and electronics to national defense systems. A persistent challenge in REE production lies in separating individual REEs from one another due to their remarkably similar chemical and physical properties. In this study, we investigate the underlying factors contributing to these similarities and introduce a novel approach for their selective separation using tailored mesoporous materials. These materials exhibit size-dependent adsorption behavior, enabling discrimination among REEs based on subtle differences in ionic radius and coordination chemistry. We present experimental evidence demonstrating preferential adsorption of specific REEs, and we elucidate the mechanisms driving this selectivity. The findings offer promising implications for more efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly REE separation technologies. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |