Solvometallurgical process for the recovery of rare-earth elements from Nd–Fe–B magnets

Abstract The protic ionic liquid pyridine hydrochloride is known to be a non-aqueous solvent for metal oxides, including rare-earth oxides. However, its application in extractive metallurgy and especially extraction has been so far limited by miscibility with the aqueous phase. In this paper, molten (165 °C) was used dissolve production scrap of Nd–Fe–B permanent magnets recover valuable metals neodymium dysprosium. powder completely dissolved just 10 min lixiviant–to–solid ratio g g?1. Afterwards, performed at high temperature using molecular extractants (PC-88A) or liquids (Cyphos IL 101). lowers viscosity solvents, that they can undiluted form. Moreover, affects equilibrium constants and, hence, distribution between two phases. first stage, 30 vol% PC-88A p-cymene extract dysprosium(III), whereas second stage 100 most neodymium(III). Finally, mixture Cyphos 101–p-cymene 70:30 (wt.:wt.) shown efficiently iron(II,III) from concentrate leachate. A conceptual flowsheet designed, which included recycling lower costs environmental impact process.