Description:
Project ID: D2022-17
Background
Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical inputs for advanced technologies including permanent magnets, electronics, clean energy systems, fiber optics, and defense applications. Elements such as neodymium, europium, dysprosium, terbium, and yttrium are particularly important due to their unique magnetic, optical, and catalytic properties and are often referred to as the “vitamins of modern industry.” Global demand for REEs continues to rise, while supply remains heavily concentrated in China which currently accounts for more than 85% of primary REE production.
Secondary sources such as mine tailings and industrial waste offer alternative REE supplies, existing extraction sorbents are often costly, difficult to manufacture, or environmentally hazardous. There is a clear need for sustainable, low‑cost materials that can efficiently recover REEs from complex aqueous streams.
Invention Description
Researchers at the University of Toledo have developed a stand‑alone, environmentally friendly polymeric sorbent for the selective extraction and recovery of REEs, thorium, and uranium from water. The sorbent is based on poly(caffeic acid), synthesized from a naturally occurring plant‑derived monomer and crosslinked with a diamine such as ethylenediamine.
The resulting material is granular, air‑stable, and water‑insoluble, requiring no solid support. Multiple functional groups—including catechol, carboxylate, and amine moieties—enable strong coordination with rare earth and actinide ions. The sorbent rapidly captures target metals, performs well in the presence of competing ions, and can be regenerated and reused under mild acidic conditions.
Applications
-Removal and recovery of REEs
-Evaluate potential sources for the presence of REEs
-Mine drainage and produced-water treatment
Advantages
- Standalone polymer; no support material required.
- Granular and air stable
- Easy to prepare
- Minimizes of hazardous and expensive reagents during extraction steps
- Eco-friendly, low cost and readily available monomer
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IP Status: Patent pending