Project description
Electrochemical recycling of rare earth elements from spent NdFeB permanent magnets
Electric motors and generators featuring NdFeB permanent magnets play a crucial role in the EU’s objective of achieving net-zero by 2050. These magnets encompass 30 % rare-earth elements (REEs), with neodymium (Nd) being the primary component, which is predominantly sourced from China. For consistent REEs supply, efficient and eco-friendly magnets recycling methods are needed. The MSCA-funded REEcycle project is geared towards elucidating the leaching mechanism of REEs from spent NdFeB magnets. It also seeks to recover REEs in a selective manner through electrochemical leaching utilising organic acids. By employing organic acids and adopting an electrochemical methodology, the project aims to devise an eco-friendly recycling process and advance the EU’s understanding of REEs recycling potential and behaviour.
Objective
The European Union (EU) has the ambitious target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The current energy transition is playing a crucial role in achieving a greener future by electrification of industries and the use of renewable resources for energy. Many greener applications rely on electric motors or generators that contain NdFeB permanent magnets (PM) in large quantities. The composition of these magnets is about 30 % of rare-earth elements (REEs), mainly neodymium (Nd). The worldwide supply of REEs is controlled by China (85 %). As the demand of REEs is increasing, due to energy transition, it is important for the EU to ensure a continuous supply of REEs. Recycling end-of-life magnets is a feasible alternative to obtain REEs from secondary resources. With REEcycle research project, my objective is to determine, for the first time, the leaching mechanism of REEs in NdFeB magnet scrap, aiming at selective recovery of REEs by means of electrochemical leaching in organic acids. I will combine different electrochemical approaches at different scales to evaluate the electroleaching efficiency in organic acids aiming at the selection of the most suitable acid and process conditions for a high dissolution rate of REEs. Then, to determine the leaching mechanism under electrochemical effect, I will use a recently developed local electrochemical technique, scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM), which will indicate the dissolution parameters for each element present in the NdFeB matrix. Finally, with the findings from SECCM, I will be able to promote a controlled electroleaching in organic acid followed by oxidation of Fe2+, to selectively recover the REEs from the magnet scrap. With my project, the use of organic acids and an electrochemical approach will bring the realisation of a sustainable recycling of permanent magnets a step forward, thereby contributing to the EUs knowledge in REE supply from secondary sources.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology environmental engineering waste management waste treatment processes recycling
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry electrolysis
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
2628 CN DELFT
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.