Scientists have discovered a way to extract the element for "green" energy

Researchers at Trinity College Dublindiscovered mechanisms for the formation of a rare earth element (REE), which is in increasing demand for use in green energy and high-tech industries.

Their discovery has important economicConsequences, there is no worthy alternative to REE. They are indispensable for their ability to form small and very powerful magnets required for smart devices and low-carbon energy production (in electronics, wind turbines, hybrid cars).

Because researchers don't know howmost rare earth minerals are formed, only three of which are used in commercial production. Bastnazite is the main valuable mineral. Studying how water containing REEs

interacted with calcite, the team discovered a new way to form bastnazite - one that can be replicated in the laboratory.

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Scientists also noted that the demand for this mineralfor high-tech products is constantly growing over the years, so researchers need to know how it is formed. This generates a lot of competition as many items have become very valuable.

“Unfortunately, mining and processing of REE is expensive asfinancially and ecologically, this work is therefore important for a better understanding of the mechanisms of bastnazite formation, which, in turn, helps us to improve the existing methods of extraction and processing, and in the future - production, ”the scientists note.

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