About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Circular Metallurgy: Design, Technology, Application
|
| Presentation Title |
Sustainable Neodymium Metal Production via Magnesiothermic Reduction of Oxide |
| Author(s) |
Samantha Sorensen |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Samantha Sorensen |
| Abstract Scope |
Neodymium is a valuable rare earth element with increasing demand driven by technological advancement and development. It is critical for high-performance magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced electronics. Molten salt electrolysis (MSE) is the conventional reduction process for Nd production and is environmentally detrimental and energy-intensive, driving demand for more sustainable reduction methods. This study investigates a low-temperature magnesiothermic reduction pathway with a hydride crystallization extraction, as an alternative to MSE. By exploiting Mg’s reactivity and alloy formation tendency, the process achieves efficient Nd₂O₃ reduction at lower temperatures, reducing energy costs and the environmental impact of high-purity neodymium metal production. This method eliminates the need for high-temperature molten salts and may offer a sustainable route for Nd production. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |
| Keywords |
Extraction and Processing, Magnesium, Sustainability |