Rare earth metals are required in many high-tech and clean energy applications. The US has had a historically high reliance on China to supply rare earth metals and to process rare earth oxides. The current method to separate and recover rare earths involves labor intensive, expensive processes. The objective of this Phase I project is to demonstrate a more efficient less energy intensive method for rare earth metal production. Skyhaven Systems, LLC, proposes a Phase I SBIR program to demonstrate a low temperature, low energy process to separate and recover rare earth metals from their oxide precursors in a deep eutectic solvent electrolyte. Due to their unique chemical properties, REEs have become essential components of many technologies spanning a range of applications including electronics, computer and communication systems, transportation, electric vehicles, and national defense.
