Separating Critical Materials using an Electromagnetic Centrifuge

Rare earth elements and platinum group elements (REE/PGEs) are required to produce sustainable energy technologies and drive a transition to renewable energy sources. However, the vast majority of the world's REE/PGEs are imported from China and are subject to supply chain instabilities. Current commercial extraction of REE/PGEs from ores uses chemical solvents which produce hazardous waste, have high operational costs, and result in low extraction rates and efficiencies due to the chemical similarities between REE/PGEs. An electromagnetic centrifuge (EMC) extracts REE/PGEs without these concerns. Instead, extraction is driven by the molecular weight and ionic charge of REE/PGEs. EMCs act as an all-in-one platform capable of both extracting REE/PGEs from unconventional sources such as coal fly ash and separating the ensuing components. Unlike a traditional centrifuge, an EMC enables high separation efficiency as electromagnetic forces drive high rotational velocities. Operation in a continuum regime trades separation efficiency and high vacuum requirements for higher yields and lower vacuum requirements. Separation results using two-component gas mixtures of Nitrogen, Argon, and Helium will be presented alongside variational studies with respect to pressure, RF power, DC voltage, and radial and axial sampling positions to detail the relevant physics and tuning parameters. Additionally, the platform's ability to separate multi-component materials will be demonstrated using Zirconium Silicate with SEM imaging and emission and Raman spectroscopy diagnostic data. Lastly, a techno-economic analysis is provided that outlines the commercial viability of the technology.