Extraction of Rare Earth Elements by Carbon-Based Composites

Over the past decade, the global demand for rare earth elements (REEs) has increased rapidly. Mos t of the rare earth elements are used in advanced and green technologies, such as electric cars, portable devices, computers, magnets, optics, etc. These elements are very limited and most of the c ommon extraction processes used by the industry are not adequate to their sustainable development. The problem is further worsened by the Chinese monopoly over the REE market, which leaves Europe and the rest of the world highly dependent on the supply from China. Pursuing solutions to s upport the transition towards REEs sustainability is thus crucial. Currently, materials aimed at the rec overy of REEs are based on sorbents synthesized using modified silica substrates, metal organic framework nanocomposites, and modified carbon materials. Their limitations are related to low sorption capacities, degradation at extreme pH, poor recyclability and selectivity. Very few of the above- mentioned materials simultaneously possess all advantages and the required characteristics. Thus, the current research aims to focus on the development of novel advanced sorbents in order to overcome the limitations of the traditional sorbents and extraction technologies. Ordered mesoporous carbons remain relatively unexplored in the context of REEs recovery while they may be an ideal candidate as solid supports due to a higher chemical resistance as compared to existing materials. In addition to the chemical stability, these carbons provide high surface areas, regularly ordered mesopores, tunable pore size, and morphology, as well as large pore volumes . T o increase their effectiveness, these substrates will be modified with various chelating ligands which will increase materials selectiveness and capacity for the efficient extraction. Extensive physicochemical characterization of developed materials will be performed to validate their properties. The applicability of the sorbents will be demonstrated by the selective extraction of rare earth elements from mineral deposits provided by local industrial partners as well as leachates provided by our international partners. The developed materials will therefore have a potential to be used in cost-effective and environmentally friendly extraction technologies, thus promoting REEs sustainable and efficient supply which is one of the main goals of the European Commission on Horizon Europe strategic plan (2021-2024) Promoting an open strategic autonomy by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy; Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. To summarize, the planned research proposes an innovative research line that will constitute a bas e for a more full-scale investigation which could serve as the foundation for the further society development in general and future FWF and EU grant applications.