Master theses / Diploma theses

Rare earth elements (REEs) are vital for several applications in various industrial sectors. Studies on REEs recovery from various secondary resources revealed that spent permanent magnets contain a significant amount (approximately 31-32 wt%) of rare earth metals. However, the presence of Fe poses a challenge for recovering REE from the leachate solution. It was observed that the REE will also co-precipitate with Fe upon precipitation, resulting in the loss of resources. To address this, an ion exchange method has been proposed for selective recovery of REE from leachate solutions. Our latest research reveals that selective ligands based on different media can recover REE from aqueous solutions even in the presence of other metals. The current study intends to develop task-specific resins based on selective ligands for effective REE recovery from spent NdFeB magnet leachate solutions as well as to investigate the efficiency of these resins for upscaling technology.

• Knowledge of hydrometallurgy and organic synthesis
• Experience in coordination chemistry, and technical chemistry is advantageous
• Good oral and written communication skills in English or German
• Ability to work independently and systematically

• Synthesis and purification of novel task-specific organic ligands
• Impregnation studies with various ion exchange resins
• Application of resins on recovery of rare earth metal ions from various spent magnet leachates and other sources
• Start date: Either an immediate start or a start in 2025 is possible
• Duration: 6 months
• Remuneration according to HZDR internal regulations