(68b) Rare Earth Metals Production By Hydrogen Reduction

This paper will present the technology being developed by Polykala Technologies LLC sponsored by DOE SBIR Phase 2 project.

Rare earth metals are a group f 17 elements crucial for various high-tech applications, including magnets, catalysts, and electronic devices. They include elements such as neodymium, dysprosium, and lanthanum. Traditionally, rare earth metals are extracted using high-temperature reduction processes or through complex hydrometallurgical techniques, which can be energy-intensive and environmentally challenging.

Hydrogen processing is a promising method for the production and refining of rare earth metals. This approach involves using hydrogen to reduce rare earth oxides (REOs) into their pure metallic forms.

The advantages of hydrogen processing include:

• Environmental Benefits: Hydrogen reduction can be less environmentally damaging than traditional methods, especially if the hydrogen is produced from renewable sources.
• Lower Energy Requirements: Compared to traditional high-temperature reduction processes (like those using carbon), hydrogen reduction might offer energy savings.
• Purity: The process can potentially offer high-purity rare earth metals with fewer impurities.

Our ongoing research aims to improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental footprint of hydrogen-based rare earth metal production. Advances in hydrogen production methods and better process designs could further enhance the viability of this approach.