4189880

Enhancing rare-earth ion separation via magnetic field-driven processes

Date
March 24, 2025

Rare-earth elements are a critical class of raw materials with significant strategic importance. Their separation relies on marginal chemical differences, a process that is often associated with considerable environmental impacts. One major challenge that remains is the cost-effective extraction of these elements from secondary resources, such as recycling their end-of-life products. Rare-earth trivalent ions are distinguished by their varying magnetic properties, which has spurred extensive research into separation techniques based on these magnetic differences. A key challenge, however, lies in fully understanding the role of magnetic fields within these separation processes.

In this talk, I will explore the cation exchange process of rare-earth trivalent ions in an oil-water two-phase system under the influence of a magnetic field. I will first introduce our attempts to quantify the kinetic laws governing this process. Following this, I will discuss transport mechanisms driven by solutomagnetic convection in the prior-to-equilibrium under a controlled magnetic field. The scaling laws of extraction kinetics will be analyzed in relation to the magnetic field. Additionally, the dynamics of an unbounded oil droplet in a paramagnetic rare-earth salt solution subjected to a magnetic field will be examined. Then, I will discuss on magnetophoresis and its active role in facilitating demulsification during the time-limiting stage of coalescence.

This presentation is designed to provide a collaborative anchor point, particularly from a fluid dynamics perspective, on the separation of critical raw materials. I look forward to engaging with experts from various fields at the "Advancements in Ion Separations: from Fundamental to Applied Research" session, with the primary goal of establishing meaningful connections and fostering collaborations in this pivotal area of research and innovation.

Presenter