Separation of rare earth elements and nickel harnessing electrochemistry and reactive CO2 capture and mineralization

Abstract

The aim is to probe the chemical mechanisms underlying the use of multifunctional solvents to simultaneously capture and convert CO2 into insoluble rare earth element (REE)-carbonates, while forming soluble complexes with nickel for separation. Subsequent nickel electrodeposition regenerates the CO2-loaded solvent for reuse.