Electrochemical Immobilization of Rare Earth Elements

Wednesday, 12 October 2022: 15:00
Room 315 (The Hilton Atlanta)
E. Engmann (University of Idaho), L. Diaz Aldana, T. Lister, A. Atifi, and K. Orme (Idaho National Laboratory)
The reduction of rare earth elements (REE) such as Nd, Pr, and Dy to a stable metallic phase at low temperature is difficult due to the high reactivity of REEs. Non-aqueous electrolytes have been investigated due to their wider electrochemical window. While most work has focused on the cathodic reduction of REEs, little attention has been directed to the anode reaction. While not a focus of studies, the anticipated anode reaction is oxidation of the non-aqueous electrolyte. In this work, options for developing alternate anode reactions which do not degrade the electrolyte are being pursued as an alternate pathway of introducing REEs into non-aqueous electrolytes through an anodic reaction that could avoid degradation of the electrolyte. Investigations using electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry permit evaluation of various materials options.