Continuous molecular recognition technology for selective rare earth elements (REE) separation from leaching solutions

Global society trend in sustainable technologies and environmentally friendly solutions demand the energy-intensive rare earth elements (REEs) separation methods to be more sustainable and possibly adhere to the green chemistry principles. This project tackles molecular recognition technology (MRT) as a method to selectively separate REEs. MRTs is still in its infancy and literature lacks data. Specifically, we aim at selectively separating (+98% purity) target REEs from pregnant leaching solutions (PLS) from monazite ore. At the same time, we aim at establishing fundamental knowledge on MRT, which includes the identification of MRT chelating agents to separate specific REEs, the sequence of MRT steps, and ranges of operating variables. The research also includes the scale up of the laboratory-scale MRT system that will be conceived, from 5 mL to 4 L MRT units. We will as well design a pilot plant with MRT units of 60 L.

Faculty Supervisor:

Daria Camilla Boffito

Student:

Partner:

Auxico;Central America Nickel

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Mining

University:

Polytechnique Montréal

Program: