Recycling of Rare Earths (Materials Research Foundations)

The recycling of rare earth elements is one of the great challenges for establishing a green economy. Rare earths play an essential role in a great many high-tech products and processes: electronic display screens , computer monitors, cell phones, rechargeable batteries, high-strength magnets, catalytic converters, fluorescent lamps etc. Recycling these materials not only results in valuable materials for new products; it also helps in reducing mountains of discarded products. The recycling methods discussed include bioleaching, biosorption, siderophores, algae and seaweed. carbon-based nanomaterials, silica, pyrometallurgy, electrochemistry, hydrometallurgy, solvent extraction and the use of various absorbents. The book references 253 original resources with their direct web links for in-depth reading. Keywords: Rare Earths, Bioleaching, Biosorption, Siderophores, Algae, Seaweed. Carbon-based Nanomaterials, Silica, Pyrometallurgy, Electrochemistry, Hydrometallurgy, Solvent Extraction, Absorbents, Ash, Slag, Red Mud, Contaminated Soil. David Fisher was born in England in 1936 and emigrated to Canada in 1958. He has had a deep and on-going interest in communication and language since 1966 when he worked with Inuit on Baffin Island. He attended university in the 1970's and 80's and was granted degrees in Social Work and a Ph.D. in Psychology. He has studied the inter-relatedness of language, personality, relationships and spirituality since 1981. He continues to provide counseling to individuals and couples and lead a small meditation group. On most days he manages to do at least some gardening. He lives in Nanaimo, British Columbia. He and his former wife, Kyra, have two children, Petra and Adrian. David and Kyra maintain a warm friendship.