The rare-earth element (REE) industry plays a critical role in modern technology from renewable energy and semiconductors to advanced materials, catalysts, and electronics. Efficient and sustainable extraction of these elements requires high-performance reagents and optimized process design.
J&K Scientific provides a full suite of rare-earth extraction and purification solutions, including high-purity extractants, precipitants, and process additives, supporting both research laboratories and industrial hydrometallurgical operations. Our goal is to help you achieve higher selectivity, yield, and product purity across every stage of REE processing.
Process Overview
The extraction and purification of rare-earth elements typically involve acid leaching, solvent extraction, stripping, precipitation, and calcination.
Each step requires precise chemical control and reliable reagents to separate closely related rare-earth ions.
Process Flow Summary:
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Leaching: Dissolve REEs from minerals (bastnaesite, monazite, laterite) using sulfuric, hydrochloric, or nitric acid.
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Extraction: Selectively separate RE³⁺ ions with organophosphorus extractants (P204, P507) and neutral modifiers (TBP).
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Scrubbing: Remove impurities and balance acidity to improve selectivity.
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Stripping: Recover target REEs using mineral acids or ammonium buffers.
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Precipitation: Form oxalate or carbonate salts using ammonium oxalate or ammonium carbonate.
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Calcination: Convert precursors into high-purity rare-earth oxides.
Key Reagents and Functional Roles
| Process Step | Category | Representative Reagents | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaching | Inorganic Acids | Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Nitric acid (HNO₃) | Dissolve rare-earth minerals into aqueous phase |
| Extraction | Organophosphorus Extractants | P204 (D2EHPA), P507 (HEHEHP), Cyanex 272 | Selective coordination and extraction of RE³⁺ ions |
| Modification / Diluents | Neutral Organics | TBP (Tributyl phosphate), Isodecanol, Kerosene | Adjust phase stability and extraction efficiency |
| Scrubbing | Washing Agents | Deionized water, diluted acid or base | Remove co-extracted impurities |
| Stripping | Acid / Buffer Systems | HCl, HNO₃, Ammonium acetate | Transfer RE³⁺ ions back to aqueous phase |
| Precipitation | Precipitating Agents | Ammonium oxalate, Ammonium carbonate | Form solid RE salts for calcination |
| Calcination | Thermal Process | Air, inert gas | Produce RE₂O₃ (oxide) of >99.99% purity |
Typical Applications of Rare-earth materials
| Industry | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Catalyst Manufacturing | Production of CeO₂, La₂O₃, Nd₂O₃ as catalyst precursors |
| Magnetic Materials | Preparation of NdFeB, SmCo alloys |
| Optical & Electronic Devices | Purification of Eu, Tb, and Y for phosphors and lasers |
| Energy Storage | Rare-earth-based hydrogen storage alloys |
| Academic & Industrial R&D | Hydrometallurgical extraction and separation studies |
Looking for optimized chemical solutions for your rare-earth extraction line?
Our technical experts can help you select the most effective extractants and process additives.
→ Contact Us for Technical Support
Olica Xu
