DOE OSTI · 2589333
Mechanically and Chemically Robust Lanmodulin-Functionalized Silk Sponges for Rare Earth Element Sequestration
Abstract
The extraction of rare-earth elements (REEs) from low-grade sources like electronic waste (E-waste) could supplement current unsustainable mining practices. REEs are crucial for various industries, but supply struggles to meet growing demand. Herein, we present an environmentally friendly method for REE extraction using silk protein sponges functionalized with lanmodulin (LanM), a protein that selectively binds REEs. These sponges are relatively facile to fabricate and scale, while offering highly selective REE binding. The REEs can then be recovered via simple acid leaching, allowing sponge reuse for multiple cycles as well as specific desorption of different REEs by changing the pH of the desorption buffer. Finally, this method avoids harmful solvents used in traditional extraction and enables recycling of REEs from industrial and E-waste.
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Morton, Logan D. [Tufts Univ., Medford, MA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000307679709), Scheel, Ryan A. [Tufts Univ., Medford, MA (United States)], Sahoo, Jugal Kishore [Tufts Univ., Medford, MA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000325039115), Gilbert, Julian B. [Tufts Univ., Medford, MA (United States)], Cotruvo, Joseph A. [Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000342438257), Jiao, Yongqin [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000267985823), Park, Dan M. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)], Kaplan, David L. [Tufts Univ., Medford, MA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000292457774). 2025-06-25. Mechanically and Chemically Robust Lanmodulin-Functionalized Silk Sponges for Rare Earth Element Sequestration. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.5c00382
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