Phys.org July 19, 2024 Rare-earth elements with strong magneto-crystalline anisotropy (MCA) are important ingredients for magnetic devices. Control of their localized 4f magnetic moments and anisotropy is one major challenge in ultrafast spin physics. An international team of researchers (Germany, Czech Republic, France, Sweden) used time-resolved x-ray absorption and resonant inelastic scattering experiments to show that for terbium that 4f-electronic excitations out of the ground-state multiplet occurred after optical pumping. These excitations were driven by inelastic 5d-4f-electron scattering, altering the 4f-orbital state and consequently the MCA with important implications for magnetization dynamics in 4f-metals and more general for the excitation […]
Tag Archives: Rare earth elements
Scientists turn single molecule clockwise or counterclockwise on demand
Phys.org December 21, 2022 Complexes containing rare-earth ions attract great attention for their technological applications ranging from spintronic devices to quantum information science. While charged rare-earth coordination complexes are ubiquitous in solution, they are challenging to form on materials surfaces that would allow investigations for potential solid-state applications. A team or researchers in the US (Argonne National Laboratory, Ohio University, University of Illinois) has demonstrated formation and atomically precise manipulation of rare-earth complexes on gold surface. Although they are composed of multiple units held together by electrostatic interactions, the entire complex rotates as a single unit when electrical energy is […]
Electrokinetic mining technology for recovering rare earth elements from weathering crusts
Phys.org November 17, 2022 Ion-adsorption deposits, which form within weathering crusts, supply more than 95% of the scarce global heavy rare earth elements (HREE) demand. Deposits are currently mined via ammonium-salt-based leaching techniques that are responsible for severe environmental damage and show low recovery efficiency. Researchers in China have designed an innovative rare earth elements (REE) mining technique, electrokinetic mining (EKM), which enabled green, efficient and selective recovery of REEs from weathering crusts. Its feasibility was demonstrated via bench-scale, scaled-up and on-site field experiments. Compared with conventional techniques, EKM achieved ~2.6 times higher recovery efficiency, an ~80% decrease in leaching […]
Leading the way in superconductor research: New compounds of lanthanum and hydrogen
Phys.org November 22, 2022 An international team of researchers (Germany, UK, Sweden, USA – University of Chicago) has presented the results of their single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies on lanthanum hydrides which revealed an unexpected chemical and structural diversity of lanthanum hydrides synthesized in the range of 50 to 180 GPa. They produced seven lanthanum hydrides LaH3, LaH~4, LaH4+δ, La4H23, LaH6+δ, LaH9+δ, and LaH10+δ, and determined the atomic coordinates of lanthanum in their structures. The regularities in rare-earth element hydrides the team has shown provide clues to guide the search for other synthesizable hydrides and candidate high-temperature superconductors. The hydrogen content variability […]
Researchers develop a tool to neutralize chemical weapons using rare-earth elements
Phys.org November 3, 2021 An international team of researchers (Canada, USA – industry) designed and synthesized a new MOF composed of the rare-earth metals yttrium and terbium, bound with an organic linker. They named the structure RE-CU-10 (RE = rare-earth, CU = Concordia University). According to the researchers the linker, a rectangular tetratopic pyrene-based ligand, has a particular core that interacts with ultraviolet light, producing an exceptionally reactive, though short-lived, oxygen species that causes a change in the chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard. In tests they found that the MOF effectively oxidized—and thereby detoxified—the chemical warfare agent simulant. The process […]
Geologists solve puzzle that could predict valuable rare earth element deposits
Science Daily October 9, 2020 Carbonatites and associated rocks are the main source of rare earth elements (REEs). REE mineralization occurs in hydrothermal assemblages within or near carbonatites, suggesting aqueous transport of REE. An international team of researchers (UK, Australia) conducted experiments from 1200°C and 1.5 GPa to 200°C and 0.2 GPa using light and heavy REE, crystallizing fluorapatite intergrown with calcite through dolomite to ankerite. All experiments contained solutions with anions previously thought to mobilize REE (chloride, fluoride, and carbonate), but REEs were extensively soluble only when alkalis were present. Dysprosium was more soluble than lanthanum when alkali complexed. […]
U.S. and Japan Seeking to Break China’s Grip on Rare Earths Production
IEEE Spectrum July 23, 2020 Over time China has monopolized the rare earth elements (RREs) production with government partnerships and lax production regulations. China restricts REE exports when aggrieved. The Japanese were quick to respond to the threat of blocked exports by encouraging recycling and diversification of REE supplies. The state and private sector collaborated to and importing more rare earth from Asian countries. They discovered rich supplies of REEs in deep sea mud within Japan’s exclusive economic zone in the Pacific Ocean. In 2016 the U.S. and Australia agreed to work together on securing REE resources and to support […]