Scientists at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin have developed a new method for recovering rare earth elements from nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, commonly known as AA and AAA batteries. These elements, essential for the production of electric vehicles and laptops, are critical to the development of modern industry.
Professor Dorota Kołodyńska, head of the Department of Inorganic Chemistry at UMCS, explained that her team extracts elements from nickel-metal hydride batteries, which are classified as hazardous waste and subject to collection regulations. Once the battery casing is removed, the scientists extract the so-called black mass, which contains the valuable elements, from inside the batteries.
“Based on years of research, we have concluded that iminodisuccinic acid (IDHA), among others, offers a cost-effective solution for extracting valuable elements from the lanthanide group such as lanthanum, cerium and neodymium from the battery, as well as other metals including nickel, cobalt, and zinc,” said Professor Kołodyńska.
Currently, the separation of rare earth elements typically involves the use of conventional acids and organic solvents known as extractants. The most commonly used acids include nitric, sulfuric, and hydrochloric acids. However, Prof. Kołodyńska pointed out that such acidic waste is difficult to manage and contributes to environmental degradation. Therefore, the UMCS team has developed a method based on safe, biodegradable agents that are environmentally and human-friendly.
Another significant challenge is the separation of the recovered elements. For this, the researchers employ sorbents and hybrid materials. Prof. Kołodyńska’s team designs these materials independently, using substances such as chitosan, alginates, biochar, and other cost-effective resources.
Despite their name, rare earth elements are not as rare as commonly believed. Some are found in the Earth’s crust in quantities comparable to more common elements, but they are widely dispersed, which makes their extraction difficult.
“We are also working on new methods for extracting lanthanides from alternative sources,” she added. “Together with the Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute and partners from the Czech Republic and Turkey, we have received a grant to recover these elements from end-of-life photovoltaic panels and wind turbines. Scientific literature confirms that such materials may contain rare earths.“
As Prof. Kołodyńska emphasized, rare earth elements are part of our daily lives. They are found in laptops, computers, smartphones, electric vehicles, and wind turbines. In the European Union, they are even used in the security features of banknotes. The main producers and extractors of rare earth compounds are China, the United States, and Brazil.
“Only a few countries have natural deposits,” she noted. “It is estimated that by 2050, the demand for high-purity rare earth elements will grow by about 10–15% annually. Given that Europe has virtually no primary sources, we must focus on secondary sources,” Prof. Kołodyńska added.
Prof. Kołodyńska’s team actively publishes research findings, presents at scientific conferences, intends to patent some of the solutions and is looking for investors. It sees an opportunity in an investment planned in Puławy (Lublin).
On March 25, Grupa Azoty, in partnership with Mkango Resources—a Canadian company—announced plans to build a rare earth metals refinery on the premises of the Puławy chemical plant. The project, scheduled to take place between 2027 and 2028, is included in the European Commission’s list of 47 strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Europe’s raw materials capabilities.
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