In the field of engineering, thermodynamic data on compounds that play a role in recycling and processing are essential. This is the only way to design processes that conserve resources and energy.

Rare Earth Nitrates

Research is currently focusing on rare-earth nitrates, as these play an important role in the extraction process of mineral rare earth raw materials (carbonates, orthophosphates) as well as in the recycling of secondary raw materials containing rare earths, such as end-of-life magnets (Nd, Sm) and rare earth containing luminophores (Eu, Tb, Ho, Er), in the extraction process. Furthermore, most of these nitrates form various hydrates, all of which exhibit different solution properties. Surprisingly, relatively little is known to date about the thermodynamics of most of these compounds, which makes thermodynamic modelling of the processing operation difficult. Our group is attempting to close this gap.