USE OF ORGANIC ACIDS FOR LEACHING RARE EARTH ELEMENTS PRESENT IN OBSOLETE CELL PHONE MAGNETS

Abstract

Among the electronic equipment, cell phones are one of the most complex and those that employ the greatest amount of different chemical elements. Therefore, it is essential to find alternatives that aim to minimize the environmental impact in the production of inputs used in this sector. Among these inputs, we can mention the Rare Earth Elements (REE). Extract the Rare Earths Elements (RE) with the required degree of purity and concentration is a difficult task, so they are considered rare. Furthermore, their extraction causes several environmental impacts, and the reuse of these materials is still little, compared to the amount used. Thus, this article presents a characterization of the amount of REE present in obsolete cell phones, for possible reuse. Furthermore, the efficiency in leaching of REE was studied with the use of organic acids (acetic, nitric and oxalic) obtaining rates of 52% to Nd and 53% to Pr.