Novel Approaches in the Separation of FloridaÕs Rare Earth Element Resources

Abstract

Funding will support coordinated computational and laboratory-based investigations on the separation of rare earth elements (REEs) found in phosphogypsum. More than half of US Ôgypstacks,Õ a waste product of fertilizer production, are in Florida. Gypstacks contain high concentrations of REEs, and gypstacksÕ potential as a domestic source of this critical resource will be explored through finite element modeling and experimental characterization of REE ion partitioning behavior. A new method employing high magnetic field gradients for the separation of rare earth ion mixtures in solution into individual elements will be explored that offers reduced solvent usage and increased throughput, resulting in lower production costs of heavy rare earth elements. Underrepresented undergraduates and graduate students at Florida A&M University, a Historically Black College and University, will participate in research at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and receive training on advanced laboratory instrumentation. This work supports the Earth Materials and Processes and Science of Extreme Materials Competency.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Sep 20, 2022
Source ID
W911NF2210265

Entities

People

  • Jamel Ali

Organizations

  • Army Contracting Command
  • Florida A&M University
  • United States Army

Tags

Readers

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Research Science/Academic Research