BioTech Encyclopedia

Rare earth elements: uses in research

Also: neodymium magnets, NdFeB, lanthanides

Rare earths like neodymium make the strongest permanent magnets, used in motors and wind turbines. Recycling them is a major research area.

Readiness: lab lab studies · prototype demonstrated objects · commercial products or buildings in real use · review summaries of other studies.

energy

commercial energy 1984

Neodymium-iron-boron magnets

Sagawa and colleagues introduced Nd-Fe-B, now the strongest common permanent magnet.

Built / tested: permanent magnets

As reported in: Sagawa, Fujimura, Togawa et al. (1984). New material for permanent magnets on a base of Nd and Fe (invited). Journal of Applied Physics. doi:10.1063/1.333572

Abstract only

review energy 2010

Magnets for energy

Gutfleisch and colleagues reviewed magnetic materials, including rare-earth magnets, for efficient energy technology.

As reported in: Gutfleisch, Willard, Brück et al. (2010). Magnetic Materials and Devices for the 21st Century: Stronger, Lighter, and More Energy Efficient. Advanced Materials. doi:10.1002/adma.201002180

Abstract only

recycling

review recycling 2013

Recycling rare earths

Binnemans and colleagues reviewed ways to recover rare earths from waste.

As reported in: Binnemans, Jones, Blanpain et al. (2013). Recycling of rare earths: a critical review. Journal of Cleaner Production. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2012.12.037

Abstract only