Sourcing Rare Earth Metals

A multidisciplinary team led by Robin Macaluso, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and Michael Bozlar, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, is trying to improve the supply chain for rare earth metals.

Rare earth metals—a set of 17 elements, including praseodymium, terbium, and dysprosium—are critical to the manufacturing of electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, smartphones, computers, and satellites. However, only a handful of countries control the supply of these vital resources. Additionally, the current method of mining and refining them is energy-intensive and harmful to the environment.

"Our multidisciplinary team of materials scientists and chemists is working diligently on separating and sourcing rare earth metals," Dr. Bozlar says. "Meanwhile, we are training undergraduate and graduate students on these techniques to develop the next generation of scientists and engineers." ₪