Research Results
Green (IL-based) solvents developed to dissolve gold
KU Leuven researchers developed new leaching solutions to dissolve metals, based on non-volatile ionic liquids (ILs). This work on dissolving gold without gas formation was published in Green Chemistry.
The Quest of the Negative Sequence (for extraction of REEs)
The extraction of lanthanides from nitrate media with basic nitrate extractants shows a remarkable decreasing trend when going from left to right in the lanthanide series. The Binnemans SOLVOMET group is taking the first step.
Novel Sm/Co separation process for SmCo magnets
SIM² KU Leuven researchers have developed a novel approach to separate samarium from cobalt originating from SmCo magnets. Their newly published paper introduces very simple and cheap-to-maintain solvent extraction processes.
MSA: a green solvent for the recovery of REEs
Within the EU Horizon 2020 REMAGHIC project, SIM² KU Leuven developed a novel process to recover rare earths (REEs) from lamp phosphor waste by dissolution in concentrated methanesulphonic acid (MSA), which is a green solvent.
Scandium in Greek bauxite and bauxite residue
In the context of the EU Horizon 2020 MSCA-ETN REDMUD project, an international team of researchers have published one of the most detailed ever characterisation studies of the occurrence of scandium in Greek bauxite (residue).
Thermal stability of ionic liquid Cyphos IL 101
In collaboration with Umicore, SIM² KU Leuven researchers investigated the thermal stability of the ionic liquid Cyphos IL 101 under various experimental conditions. The work was published in the journal Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.
Novel approach to phosphinates and phosphonates
In the framework of the ERC SOLCRIMET project SIM² KU Leuven researchers developed a versatile procedure to prepare phosphinate and phosphonate compounds, which are instrumental as solvent extraction reagents for multiple metals.
Purification of In(OH)3 using the IL [Hbet][Tf2N]
Together with Umicore SIM² KU Leuven researchers have developed a new process to purify crude indium(III) hydroxide, In(OH)3, using a combined leaching/extraction system exploiting the properties of the ionic liquid [Hbet][Tf2N].
Non-aqueous SX provides enhanced separations
In the framework of the ERC SOLCRIMET project KU Leuven researchers have found that replacement of water by ethylene glycol provides enhanced selectivity in the solvent extraction of transitions metals from rare earth elements.
Separation of REEs from bauxite residue leachate
This new RSC Advances paper demonstrates the effectiveness of a novel supported ionic liquid phase (SILP) for the uptake of REEs (Sc, Y, Nd, Dy) in the presence of base elements (Ca, Al, Fe) from bauxite residue (BR) leachates.
New paper on the effect of the diluent in REE SX
This new Hydrometallurgy paper by Kumar Batchu and Binnemans studies the effect of the diluent) on the solvent extraction of Nd using D2EHPA as extractant. Studied diluents varied from aliphatic, aliphatic-aromatic to aromatic.
New Rare-Earth Balance Problem review paper
Following their previous work on the rare-earth Balance Problem, Prof. Binnemans et al. have published a new (Golden Access) review paper in the Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy. The paper has been downloaded > 1,000 times.
Ionic liquid-based solvoleaching of NdFeB magnets
Ionic liquids (ILs) are widely studied to recover metals from ores or end-of-life products, but not above 100 °C and atmospheric pressure. Here the IL [Hbet][Tf2N] was used dry to leach NdFeB magnets and scrap at high temperature.
Trichloride ionic liquids for dissolving metals
In the framework of the EU Horizon 2020 ERC SOLCRIMET project KU Leuven researchers have synthesised trichloride ionic liquids (ILs) which can be used for oxidative dissolution of metals and alloys under mild conditions.
Extraction of rare earths from bauxite residue
In the context of the EU Horizon 2020 MSCA-ETN REDMUD project, KU Leuven researchers have published a new method to extract rare earths (REEs) from bauxite residue (red mud) by dry digestion followed by water leaching.