A project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy is looking for more practical solutions to recycle electronics. | ShengYing Lin/Shutterstock
Researchers at Texas A&M University say they’re developing a more efficient way to recycle rare earth elements from e-scrap with a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
In collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, researchers are exploring a technology called solid-phase extraction, with a goal to recycle more electronics and reduce reliance on foreign rare earth element imports, according to a press release from the university. The project was awarded a $1.3 million grant as part of the DOE’s larger Critical Materials Accelerator Program, according to the program webpage.
The project aims to recover rare earths like neodymium, praseodymium and dysprosium from used devices and circuit boards. According to the press release, in the more than 53 million tons of e-scrap that’s produced each year, only 1% of those devices have their rare earth elements recovered.
The solid-phase extraction process works like a filter for substances dissolved in liquid, with the solid-phase filter catching specific materials, such as rare earths, based on their chemical properties. It’s one of many rare earth element extraction methods being researched by companies and industry leaders to make recovering these in-demand metals more practical.
Associate professor and project co-lead Jenny Qiu said solid-phase extraction is more scalable than existing techniques. It uses synthetic chemicals to isolate the elements and reusable absorbants to remove impurities, making the process cheaper and more sustainable, according to the Department of Energy website.
“The major advantage is it requires less energy, less capital cost and less operation requirements, fewer emissions and less waste generation,” Qiu said in an interview.
According to the press release, over 80% of rare earth elements used in U.S. electronics are imported. The effort coincides with a bill introduced in Congress that would create an international task force to reduce reliance on rare mineral imports from China. A White House executive order in April also directed the Department of Commerce to explore new rare earth element recycling options.
“Innovative materials and novel device design will facilitate the widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies and grid modernization efforts, leading to more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure,” Qiu said in a written statement. “This research field is highly promising and positions mechanical engineering at the forefront of global energy transformation.”
The Critical Materials Accelerator Program began in 2023 and selected 14 projects to receive funding in 2024. Other projects include the development of less resource-intensive lithium-ion batteries from the University of North Dakota and a method of manufacturing semiconductor chip feedstock with lower carbon emissions by manufacturer Free Form Fiber.