Separation of Critical Metals by Membrane Technology under a Circular Economy Framework: A Review of the State-of-the-Art

The demand for critical metals net-zero technologies, including electric vehicles and wind/solar energy, puts pressure on extraction recycling processes. As the treatment of solutions is becoming more complex associated with decreasing concentration contaminants increasing, development separation techniques required. Among them, membrane has been evaluated hydrometallurgical processes similar results to traditional techniques. This work aimed at reviewing literature applications obtain metals—lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), rare earth elements (scandium—Sc, yttrium—Y, lanthanum—La, neodymium—Nd). main novelty that this review focuses application in industrial processes, not only water wastewater treatment. For this, we searched a scientific database different keywords, bibliometric analysis demonstrated strong linkage between metals. membranes from primary secondary sources, acid mine drainage (AMD), wastes, electronic wastes (e-wastes) brine was revised. these no relation found reverse osmosis. outstanding use included combinations solvent techniques, supported liquid polymer inclusion membranes.