Czech researchers have pioneered a new recycling method for rare earth minerals extracted from electric vehicle (EV) batteries, utilizing only water and basic lab conditions.

This innovative research, conducted at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, specifically targets the recycling of neodymium, a vital component in strong permanent magnets used in EVs, smartphones, and wind turbines.

The method employs chelating agents that bond with metal ions, facilitating the separation of individual rare earth elements from dissolved magnets.

The new recycling technology has the potential to accelerate EV adoption by lowering costs, thereby making electric vehicles more affordable and accessible to a broader audience.

To bring this technology to market, the researchers have secured patents and are actively seeking commercial partners for implementation.

By implementing this recycling process, the researchers aim to mitigate environmental risks such as soil and groundwater contamination, while also reducing dependence on hazardous mining operations.

Traditional mining and refining of rare earth materials pose significant environmental challenges, including toxic byproducts and radioactive waste.