About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Rare Metal Extraction & Processing
|
| Presentation Title |
Selective Leaching of Rare Earth Elements from Coal Ash using Green Deep Eutectic Solvents |
| Author(s) |
Zainab Nasrullah, Mehran Saddat, Richard LaDouceur, Frank Agyemang |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Zainab Nasrullah |
| Abstract Scope |
Due to depleting primary ore grade and the growing demand for Rare Earth Elements (REE) in clean technologies, focus has shifted toward secondary REE sources, particularly coal ash (CA), a significant byproduct of coal combustion. However, conventional extraction methods rely on harsh chemicals that pose serious environmental impacts. Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) represent an environmentally friendly alternative, considered green reagents due to their low toxicity, biodegradability, and ease of synthesis. Three DES combinations were synthesized with oxalic acid (OA), lactic acid (LA), and p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TSA) mixed with choline chloride in a 1:1 ratio. Chemical leaching experiments were designed using central composite design methodology, varying temperature and time. p-TSA-based DES showed the highest leaching performance (86%), followed by LA-based DES (73%), while OA-based DES showed the least (<45%). Although 5 M HCl showed higher extraction, it lacked selectivity. p-TSA DES can effectively replace toxic and non-selective leaching reagents. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Environmental Effects, Recycling and Secondary Recovery, Hydrometallurgy |