A new method for recovering rare earth elements from the hyperaccumulating fern Dicranopteris linearis from China

Hyperaccumulator plants are new alternative sources for elements of interest e.g., nickel, rare-earth (REEs), as concentrations in their aerial parts higher than common low-grade ores. The fern Dicranopteris linearis naturally grows on former mine tailings Southern China and is classified a REE hyperaccumulator. efficient recovery REEs fundamental to ensure economic viability limit the environmental impact process. This study presents novel approach treatment biomass after incineration ash drastically improve “bio-ore” grade generate heat. Ash structure composition described, challenges discussed. A pre-processing step, aiming at rendering available extraction, was designed dissolve aluminum (Al) using concentrated sodium hydroxide (6 M) an average temperature (80 °C). operating parameters were investigated through experiment methodology design parametric studies build empirical model. Additional experiments revealed that formation insoluble aluminosilicate compounds limited removal aluminium. Rinsing REE-rich residue proved be effective increase concentration carefully designed. Subsequently, extracted under mildly acidic conditions nitric acid (25 °C, pH 4.8), producing valuable solution devoid aluminium containing 74% REEs.