Rare Earth Elements Recovery from Waste Fluorescent Lamps: A Review

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REEs) are used in a wide range of products. The global demand for REEs is growing at a rate of 3.7-8.6% annually. Yttrium (Y), europium (Eu), cerium (Ce), lanthanum (La) and terbium (Tb) are used in the phosphors for fluorescent lamps (FLs). This article reviews the challenges and techniques associated with the recycling and recovery of REEs in phosphors from waste FLs. The recovery rate and grade of resultant products and the processing costs are the primary factors to be considered regarding trichromatic phosphors enrichment and monochrome phosphor separation. Currently, most researchers have focused on the recovery of Y and Eu from red phosphor using hydrometallurgy methods, and on the difficulties of leaching Ce, La, Tb and Eu in green and blue phosphors. The final recovery rate of Y and Eu can reach more than 80%, but a higher rate is desirable, considering the total value of the REEs in FLs. Studies on improving the leaching behavior of phosphors have been conducted; however, they present problems such as energy and agents consumption, and generation of viscous solution of silicate. Some pyrometallurgy and electrometallurgy approaches are also discussed.

“Control-Alt-Delete”: Rebooting Solutions for the E-Waste Problem

“…Significant shifts of electronics have been occurring: CRT utilized in TV and computer is substituted by LCD, 142 and fluorescent lamp is replaced with light-emitting diode. 15 From the perspective of life cycle consideration, these shifts can effectively delete toxicity and decline the negative environmental impact. 143,144 In a wider perspective, electronics producers can initially delete the utilization of toxic materials subjected to Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS Directive), and should enhance eco-design and promote design for recycling, 145 through altering new materials, developing longer life and more durable equipment, and taking responsibility for safe recycling pathways.…”

Anomalous abundance and redistribution patterns of rare earth elements in soils of a mining area in Inner Mongolia, China

“…The global demand for REEs is growing at a rate of 3.7-8.6 % annually (Tan et al 2015). In 2011, China produced over 90 % of the world's rare earth supply with only 23 % of the world total reserves (Anonymous 2012).…”

Relevância Das Terras Raras Para O Setor Energético

“…Európio é responsável por vermelho e azul, e o Térbio pela luz verde, conforme mostra a Tabela III [16]. Esse sistema de geração de cores também é utilizado em televisores coloridos, no padrão RGB ("red-green-blue").…”