Rare Earth Metals

The Challenge Rare Earth Metals focuses on energy and circular economy frontier for sustainalbility; specifically, it focuses on finding innovative solutions aiming at separating and recycling rare earth elements from photovoltaic cells.

Rare earth elements or metals (REEs) are increasingly critical to the high-technology and low-carbon economy. With a shift to sustainable socioeconomic development that aims to be less fossil fuel dependent, global demand for REEs continues to rise, despite their uncertain supply chain and high environmental impact of production. This is why it is essential to explore novel technologies to reclaim Rare Earth Elements from waste streams.

• Innovative startup and SMEs
• University
• spin-offs

1. Development of cost-efficient dismantling lines aimed at the liberation of the Critical Raw Materials, REE rich fraction included
2. Development of recovery processes based on the use of green/biodegradable/low-cost solvents
3. Development of closed-loop recycling processes aimed at obtaining high-purity products to be possibly reintegrated in the same or other production cycles
4. Identification of alternative materials to rare earths to be used in the production of photovoltaic panels