Removal of Rare Earth Elements from complex mixtures by using manganese ferrite nanoparticles: Optimization through...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are critical for high-tech applications but face supply limitations.
• Conventional REE mining has environmental drawbacks, necessitating sustainable alternatives.
• Magnetic spinel ferrite nanoparticles offer efficient REE removal and magnetic separation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine optimal conditions for REE sorption using MnFe2O4 nanosorbents.
• To investigate the influence of pH, REE concentration, sorbent mass, and salinity on sorption efficiency.
• To assess the potential of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles for real-world REE removal applications.

Main Methods:

• Surface Response Methodology (SRM) was employed to optimize sorption conditions.
• Experiments were conducted using a mixture of nine REEs in varying salinity water.
• Key parameters optimized included pH (4-8), REE concentration (1-5 μM), and sorbent mass (20-180 mg L⁻¹).

Main Results:

• Optimal REE sorption occurred at pH 6-8 due to favorable surface charge interactions.
• High sorption efficiency was achieved for most REEs, with Yttrium showing the lowest removal.
• Salinity had a minimal impact (<10%) on sorption, attributed to the high sorbent mass used.

Conclusions:

• MnFe2O4 nanoparticles demonstrate significant potential for efficient REE removal from complex aqueous mixtures.
• Optimized conditions enhance sorption efficiency and kinetics, suggesting practical applicability.
• This research provides a foundation for developing sustainable REE recovery technologies.