Rare-earths permanent magnets were selectively roasted with 5 wt.% carbon to obtain a rare-earth phase, separated from iron particles. After mechanical removal of the iron particles, the rare-earth phase was recovered in only 20 min by using the ionic liquid [Hbet][Tf2N].
Neodymium-iron-boron or NdFeB magnets are a vital part of our tech-driven world because of their excellent magnetic properties and versatility
Researchers from the ProcESS and SOLVOMET Group have developed a mechanochemically intensified acid-free leaching process for the recovery of critical metals from NdFeB magnets
Within the SOLCRIMET project (ERC Advanced Grant), SOLVOMET researchers have developed a solvometallurgical process for the separation of yttrium and europium, showing increased efficiency over conventional hydrometallurgical separation routes. The work has been published in Separation and Purification Technology.
Within the SOLCRIMET project (Advanced ERC Grant) Zheng Li et al. (KU Leuven) and colleagues from the University of Texas (Austin) have developed a solvometallurgical process for the separation of GaCl3 and AlCl3. The work has been published in Ind. Eng. Chem. Res.
CaO-FeOx-SiO2 slags can be used as raw material for alkali-activated materials, i.e. a green alternative to Portland cement. In Cement and Concrete Research, KU Leuven & Princeton University researchers reveal new insights into the reaction mechanisms.
Within the SOLCRIMET project (ERC Advanced Grant), Zheng Li et al. discovered that selection of suitable polar solvents can enhance metal separations in liquid-liquid extraction. The work has been published in Chem. Eur. J.
Within the SMART project, Nerea Rodriguez et al. have shown that Deep Eutectic Solvents based on carboxylic acids and choline chloride are not stable in time nor at high temperatures. The work was published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.
The high thermal stability of Cyphos IL 101 allowed SIM² KU Leuven researchers to investigate the electrochemical behavior of indium at temperatures between 100 °C and 180 °C. The electrochemical deposition of indium followed a two-step process. The work was published in Green Chemistry.
Within the framework of the ETN DEMETER project rare-earth permanent magnets were treated with solvometallurgical solutions to remove the metalllic coating prior to direct recycling. The work is published in RSC Advances
SIM² KU Leuven
Kasteelpark Arenberg 44
Leuven 3001, Belgium
SIM² KU Leuven is the new KU Leuven Institute on Sustainable Metals and Minerals, one of the 4 flagship KU Leuven Institutes. SIM² mission is to develop, organise and implement problem-driven, science-deep research and future-oriented education, contributing to the environmentally friendly production and recycling of metals, minerals and engineered materials, supporting the transition to a climate-friendly, circular-economy.
