Enhanced acid leaching of rare earths from NdCeFeB magnets

Development of the effective technology for recovery critical rare-earth elements (REEs) from end-of-life permanent magnets is one important technological challenges. In this study, chemical and electrochemical leaching NdCeFeB was investigated in 0.5 mol/L sulfuric acid containing varying concentration oxalic acid. The influence H2C2O4 on efficiency morphological properties surface, as well composition ζ-potential oxalate precipitate particles discussed. Efficient separation REEs can be achieved at concentrations 0.05–0.20 maximum REE purity 97.2%. leaching, rate substantially higher than where blocking magnet surface by layer observed.