Extraction of rare earth elements using magnetite@MOF composites

Abstract

Magnetic core–shell microspheres were developed to extract rare earth elements (REEs) from aqueous and brine solutions with up to 99.99% removal efficiency. The shell, composed of a thermally and chemically stable functionalized metal–organic framework (MOF), is grown over a synthesized Fe₃O₄ magnetic core (magnetite@MOF). The composite particles can be removed from the mixture under an applied magnetic field, offering a practical, and efficient REE-removal process.