Research Results
A novel method to determine chloride impurities in liquids using WDXRF
SIM² KU Leuven – SOLVOMET/PROCESS researchers developed a new method for the measurement of chlorides in ionic liquids using wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF). The work was published in ACS Omega.
Deep Learning Computer Vision for separation of cast & wrought aluminium scrap
The lifecycle engineering (LCE) research group (SIM² KU Leuven) has explored a new method to classify cast and wrought aluminium scrap. The presented research is an essential step towards improved metal sorting and recycling.
Which geological processes control Nb-Ta-Li and W-Sn pegmatite deposits?
SIM² KU Leuven geologists have revealed a close relationship between the geometry of W-Sn and Nb-Ta-Li bearing hydrothermal veins and pegmatites in Iberia and the deformation processes active during the Variscan orogeny.
Antimony recovery from lead-rich drosses originating from a lead smelter
SOLVOMET/SIM² KU Leuven researchers have developed a process to recover antimony from a lead-rich dross and to convert it into antimony oxide chloride (Sb4O5Cl2). The work was published in ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng.
A predictive thermodynamic model for cobalt solvent extraction processes
SOLVOMET/SIM² KU Leuven researchers developed a predictive molecular thermodynamic model, enabling a more efficient design of future (battery-grade) cobalt solvent extraction flowsheets. The work was published in ACS Omega.
Selective recovery of copper from ammoniacal leachates by ion flotation
SOLVOMET/SIM2 KU Leuven & VITO researchers developed a process to recover copper from dilute ammoniacal leachates of microwave-roasted Cu-Zn-Pb sulphidic tailings. The work was published in Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy.
Electrodeposition of neodymium and dysprosium from organic electrolytes
SIM² researchers have succeeded in electrodepositing the rare earths neodymium & dysprosium at ambient temperatures from organic electrolytes. The paper was offered the front cover of Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics.
Blending sulphidic mining waste material in new ceramic roof tiles and blocks
Within the ETN SULTAN project, Wienerberger & SIM² KU Leuven researchers studied the potential blending of sulfidic mining waste in new ceramic roof tiles and blocks. The work was published in Journal of Geochemical Exploration.
Rare-earth recycling needs market intervention (Nature Reviews Materials)
SIM2 KU Leuven’s Koen Binnemans and Peter Tom Jones published a Comment article “Rare-earth recycling needs market intervention” in Nature Reviews Materials (IF = 75). The paper was co-authored by magnet expert Paul McGuiness.
Oxidative dissolution of metals in organic solvents: a critical review
SOLVOMET/SIM² researchers have published a critical review paper in the high-impact journal “Chemical Reviews” on the oxidative dissolution of metals in organic solvents, which can offer a solution when aqueous systems fail.
Milliflow reactors for non-equilibrium SX applications with ionic liquids
SIM² KU Leuven – SOLVOMET researchers have studied millifluidic devices for the non-equilibrium solvent extraction separation of metal ions. The work has been published in the journal Separation and Purification Technology.
Understanding the maximum recycled content of future electric vehicle batteries
In the framework of the SiDrive H2020 project, LCE/SIM² KU Leuven researchers developed a dynamic model to forecast the flow of vehicle batteries through the different lifecycle stages. The work was published in Waste Management.
Resource Recovery through Enhanced Landfill Mining: A Review
Researchers from the Montanuniversität Leoben and SIM² KU Leuven have published a review paper on the academic output that was generated within the EU ETN NEW-MINE project on Resource Recovery from Enhanced Landfill Mining.
Are radiological properties a limiting factor when trying to valorise bauxite residue?
In a new Journal of Cleaner Production paper, SIM² KU Leuven & University of Tartu investigated the presence of natural radionuclides in bauxite residue subjected to a neutralisation-leaching process and smelting-leaching process.
How to recover and purify platinum-group metals from spent autocatalysts?
SOLVOMET/SIM2 KU Leuven researchers developed three methods to recover & purify Pd, Pt and Rh from spent autocatalysts. This work, which was performed in EU PLATIRUS, is featured in journal Johnson Matthey Technology Review.
Design considerations for photocatalytic structured reactors
ProcESS/SIM² KU Leuven researchers investigated the optimal design of translucent photocatalytic structures for the development of small & large-scale photocatalytic reactors. The work was published in Chem. Eng. J.
Production of calcium carbonate by simultaneous CO2 capture and mineralisation
ProcESS/SIM² KU Leuven researchers precipitated high-quality calcium carbonate (PCC) from synthetic Ca-rich solutions, which resemble the chemical composition of leachates obtained from leaching BOF slags with diluted HCl.
What is the value of the ‘Social License to Operate’ concept (for resource extraction)?
Researchers from Wageningen University and SIM² KU Leuven reviewed recent SLO-literature and concluded that the way how SLO is conceptualised and often implemented in practice, does little to enhance the legitimacy of resource extraction.
Can historic Zn–Pb mine waste (Plombières, Belgium) be a source of valuable metals?
Within the framework of the MSCA-ETN SULTAN project SIM² KU Leuven researchers have characterised the historic Zn-Pb mine waste from the tailings pond located at Plombières, East Belgium. The work was published in Minerals.
First Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) on the production of SmCo5 magnets
SIM² KU Leuven, University of Leiden & University of Birmingham researchers carried out the first Life Cycle Inventory on the production of SmCo5 and compared it with NdFeB. The latter represents the more sustainable option.
Removal of Cd, Zn and Mn from Dilute Aqueous Solutions by Foam Separation
SOLVOMET/SIM2 KU Leuven researchers developed a process to remove trace concentrations of Cd, Zn and Mn from simulated diluted mine waters via foam separation. The work was published in the Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy.
Enhanced separation of neodymium and dysprosium using non-aqueous solvent extraction
SOLVOMET/SIM² researchers have enhanced the separation of neodymium and dysprosium by replacing the aqueous phase in their solvent extraction process largely by a green solvent. The work was published in ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng.
Is data the new gold? A case study for repair data
In collaboration with TU Berlin, the SIM² KU Leuven Lifecycle Engineering (LCE) research group published a study that provides key knowledge on potential opportunities and limits of repair data for specific repair applications.
Raman spectroscopy solves mapping problem for lithium-phosphates in pegmatites
SIM² KU Leuven geologists Fernando Araujo, Niels Hulsbosch and Philippe Muchez have succeeded in mapping the lithium-bearing ore minerals montebrasite-amblygonite in pegmatites using Raman spectroscopy.
