Rare earth elements (REE) are of strategic importance because their numerous applications in various sectors of the global economy. The concern about the REE supply challenge has gained the interest and research in the recovery of REE from coal and coal by-products lately. This study was focused on examining the technical feasibility of physical separation techniques (size, density, and magnetic) and chemical extraction methods for the enrichment of REE from coal fly ash . This work was examined the technical feasibility of physical separation techniques (size, magnetic and density) for the enrichment of REE from coal and coal by-products. The results indicated that for all fly ash samples, higher REE concentrations were found in the finer fractions. Magnetic separation showed that REE are enriched in non-magnetic fractions for all ash samples. All samples responded similarly to density separation. Among the three methods, density separation showed the highest enrichment of REE. In addition, a conceptual process with the combining of physical separations, namely, particle size, density separation and magnetic separation, as well as a hydrothermal alkaline treatment was applied for enrichment of REE from coal fly ash. The optimal hydrothermal alkaline treatment condition was also examined. Results suggested that NaOH concentration, solid-to-liquid, temperature, and reaction time had significant effect on ash dissolution in NaOH solution. REE in the coal fly ash were enriched 270%. via the proposed conceptual process under the optimal experimental conditions.

Recovery of the rare earth elements (REE) from coal fly ash via the combination of physical separation and chemical extraction methods

2019 Spring National Meeting

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