Nanohydrometallurgy with Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Solution for Critical Metal Retrieval from Phosphogypsum

Author(s)

Pavoski, Giovani ; Espinosa, Denise Crocce Romano ; Tenorio, Jorge Alberto Soares ; Liu, Wenying

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE METALLURGY; v. N/A, p. 15-pg., 2025-04-07.

Abstract

This study evaluates the efficiency and selectivity of nanohydrometallurgy for the recovery of critical metals from phosphogypsum leachates using functionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles (Si@Fe-DTPA). The extraction process was tested in monometallic, multimetallic, and leachate synthetic solutions containing Ce, Dy, La, Nd, and Y. The results demonstrated that selective separation is achievable, with extraction efficiencies of 17.59% for Ce, 5.96% for Dy, 13.74% for La, 19.83% for Nd, and 12.93% for Y in a single cycle. The selectivity order for Si@Fe-DTPA was Nd > Y > La > Dy > Ce, confirming its preferential affinity for specific rare earth elements. The contaminant metal Ca, present in the highest concentration, was efficiently removed within three cycles. The overall process required 10 to 20 cycles to obtain high-purity fractions of critical metals. The findings confirm that nanohydrometallurgy is a sustainable and effective technique for critical metal recovery, offering an alternative to traditional extraction methods and contributing to the circular economy. This approach aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing dependence on primary mining sources and promoting resource efficiency. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/15156-2 - Application of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for the selective separation of lanthanum from solution resulting from spent catalyst leaching
• Grantee: Giovani Pavoski
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 23/01064-4 - Nanohydrometalurgy applying magnetic nanoparticles in the recovery of critical metals
• Grantee: Giovani Pavoski
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 19/11866-5 - Development of innovative processes for the recovery of critical metals
• Grantee: Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants