Exploration and Methods in the Production of Reduced Metals and Fluorinated Rare Earth Elements

With new technology on the rise and increased production of stable isotopes, researchers around the world are in need of rare enriched stable isotopes and made-to-order nuclear targets. Because of this, the Stable Isotope Materials and Chemistry (SIMC) group at ORNL focuses on operations of R&D equipment to provide custom-fabricated, isotopically enriched materials to customers worldwide. Some of their focuses include the production of nuclear targets as well as the reduction of isotopic materials. Two processes that SIMC is currently looking at are the fluorination of Rare Earth Elements (REE) and the Van Arkel-de Boer Process. Current methods for the reduction of REE involve the use of hydrofluoric acid which poses various safety hazards and requires specialized training. Because of this, researchers are turning to ammonium bifluoride (NH₄HF₂) as a chemical of interest for the fluorination of REE to produce reduced REE. The Van Arkel-de Boer process, also known as the iodide process, is a method used for the purification of titanium and other refractory metals. This method can reduce various metals and create high purity, ductile crystals which increases the usability of the metal for different application. High ductility improves the metals versatility, allowing it to be shaped in various forms without compromising its tensile strength.