Potential of Alkylamine Dicarboxylic Acids as REE Ion Capture Chelators

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REEs) are 17 chemically similar elements in the periodic table, consisting of 15 lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium. REE ion capture involves selectively extracting ions from sources such as wastewater, industrial by-products, or natural ores. Chelators are substances that form thermodynamically stable, water-soluble complexes with metal ions via chelation and can selectively coordinate to REE particles, facilitating recycling. The development of REE ion capture is crucial for modern technologies, as it reduces mining demand and increases the recovery and quality of REEs. Alkylamine Dicarboxylic acids, which contain an amine group and carboxyl fragments, are promising chelating agents for REE ion capture due to their selective complexing capabilities.