Selective hydrothermal extraction of lanthanides: Mimicking natural ore-forming processes [Slides]
Rare Earth Elements (REE) consumption in the US was 20,000 metric ton in 2018. China controls 97% of the global REE market. The aims for new technology are to 1. Avoid investing in extraction of cheap LREE, extract M/HREE only → increase the value of the intermediate/final product, 2. Exclude extraction and concentration of U and Th → avoid investment in rad remediation, and 3. Maximize environmental friendliness of the technology. Hints from nature can aid in achieving these amis.