Czech researchers have developed a new method for recycling rare earth minerals from electric vehicle batteries using just water and basic laboratory conditions, according to a recent report from Radio Prague International.
The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry focused its research on neodymium magnets, the strongest permanent magnets known to man. These powerful components drive EVs, smartphones, and wind turbines — but their production creates massive environmental challenges. Traditional mining and refining processes require hundreds of reactors, generate radioactive waste, and produce enormous amounts of acids and toxic byproducts.
“The idea is to keep it simple, something that doesn’t require extremely difficult conditions that would be hard to reproduce on an industrial scale,” IOCB researcher Kelsea Jones explained, per Radio Prague International. The team’s method uses water as a solvent and operates at room temperature, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals or extreme conditions.
The process employs chelating agents, or organic molecules that bond with metal ions. Scientists add these agents to dissolved magnets, creating compounds with individual rare earth elements that can then be filtered by weight.
The team processed magnets through several separation cycles and obtained neodymium with 99.7% purity, more than enough to produce new magnets.
Reusing battery materials will reduce the risk of toxins leaching into soil and groundwater, and it will decrease resource depletion — a problem that often creates unsafe mining operations.
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EVs already help to improve air quality in our cities and reduce pollution compared to gas-powered cars, and more accessible battery recycling could help to accelerate EV adoption by making them more cost-effective.
The Czech researchers have secured patents for their EV battery recycling method and are seeking commercial partners to bring this technology to market. Their breakthrough is a great example of the innovation needed to build a cleaner, more sustainable future — one that benefits both people and the planet.
For those looking to make their next car an EV, this new recycling technology could also mean that even more affordable options are ahead.
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