This project leverages 3D mesoporous carbon foams-based solid-phase extraction (SPE) technology to recover rare earth elements (REEs). The unique extraction architecture demonstrate (1) Selective Recovery: Unlike traditional methods that struggle to distinguish between REEs and common metals (like iron or copper), our nanomaterial-based technique is highly selective for rare earth ions. (2) Environmental Sustainability: Traditional REE extraction relies on energy-intensive pyrometallurgy or intensive toxic solvent extraction (hydrometallurgy) that generates significant hazardous waste. Our SPE method significantly reduces the need for toxic solvents and lowers energy consumption. (3) Efficiency and Scalability: The 3D architecture of the carbon foam provides a massive surface area for ion capture, enabling higher yields and faster processing times. This innovation is designed to be commercially scalable, with pilot testing aimed at disrupting current domestic supply chains.
(a) Illustration of e-waste containing REEs (b) REE extraction comparison of 3D graphene foams (GOA) and diglycolamide-conjugated 3D graphene foam (D-GOA)*
*Chunka Zhou, Weijia Yan, Yunchong, Jingjing Qiu. “3D carbon aerogels for sustainable solid-phase adsorption of neodymium”. Chemical Engineering Journal, 524: 169636, DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.169636 (2025).