This week’s featured 3D print is used to perform separation of rare-earth elements (critical metals) from a mixture using high strength rare earth magnets by a process called ‘Magnetic Crystallization’.
“Selective separation of rare-earth ions from their mixtures is challenging due to their similar chemical and physical properties, and usually rely upon small changes in their ionic radii. We envision targeting other intrinsic properties, such as magnetic properties, for separating elements that are close to each other in the periodic table and therefore difficult to separate using solvent extraction. To achieve this goal we turned to using permanent FeNdB magnets in close proximity to a vial containing a solution rare-earth ions for preferential crystallization of paramagnetic rare-earth ions over diamagnetic ones. The 3D printed setup assists in controlling the distance of the magnet from the vial and avoids any physical disturbances for effective crystallization.”
-Dr. Kumar
The print was submitted by Dr. Amit Kumar, postdoc in the Schelter Group, Department of Chemistry. This object was printed in ABS using the Stratasys 170 with design consultation provided by Lexi Voss.
Learn more about 3D printing at the Biotech Commons. The Bollinger Digital Fabrication Lab is proud to provide complimentary objects and 3D design consultations contributing to innovation in teaching, learning, research, and clinical care at the University of Pennsylvania.
Categories: Featured 3D Print
Biomeditations 