With the demand for rare earth elements (REEs) increasing in a range of industries, scientists are exploring ways to recover these valuable materials from various waste streams. A team of researchers from the University of California has now developed a method for recovering high-value REEs from discarded consumer electronics. The process uses a solvent extraction technique to separate and purify the REEs, making them suitable for reuse.

The demand for rare earth elements is on the rise as they are used in a variety of applications, from consumer electronics to electric and hybrid vehicles. Now, researchers from the University of California have developed a method for recovering high-value REEs from discarded consumer electronics. The process uses a solvent extraction technique to separate and purify the REEs, with the aim of making them suitable for reuse. This could not only help reduce the amount of e-waste that ends up in landfill, but also reduce the need to mine new REEs, thus conserving the environment.

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source: Phys.org