Innovative process recovers europium from fluorescent lamps using nature-inspired method

ETH Zurich researchers have developed a nature-inspired process for efficiently recovering europium from old fluorescent lamps, a breakthrough that could revolutionize the recycling of rare earth metals. Here’s a summary of their innovative approach:

Key points:

1. Nature-inspired method:
   • Researchers utilized a small molecule that serves as a binding site for metals in enzymes.
   • This molecule, tetrathiometallate, contains four sulfur atoms around tungsten or molybdenum.
   • It effectively separates europium by reducing it to a unique divalent state, simplifying its extraction from other rare earth metals.
2. Proof of concept:
   • The new method extracts europium directly from fluorescent powder in used lamps.
   • It achieves quantities 50 times higher than existing methods without the need for extensive pre-treatment steps.
3. Sustainability and efficiency:
   • Current separation processes are energy- and resource-intensive, involving numerous liquid-liquid extraction steps.
   • The new process is simpler, more efficient, and environmentally friendly.
   • It can potentially turn lamp waste into an urban mine for europium, reducing dependence on imports.
4. Economic and ecological impact:
   • Europium’s demand has fallen with the phase-out of fluorescent lamps, making previous recycling methods uneconomical.
   • The new method can utilize the vast quantities of fluorescent lamp waste, with higher rare earth metal content than natural ores.
   • The approach aims to increase the EU’s recycling rate for rare earth elements, currently below 1%.
5. Future prospects:
   • Researchers have patented the technology and are founding a start-up called REEcover to commercialize it.
   • They are working on adapting the process for other rare earth metals like neodymium and dysprosium found in magnets.
   • The goal is to establish sustainable recycling practices for these critical materials.

This breakthrough highlights the potential of innovative recycling methods to address the critical supply and environmental challenges associated with rare earth metals.