Rare earths are a class of elements found on the periodic table, but they require special circumstances to extract and use due to their scarcity. The most important rare earths are scandium, yttrium, and cerium. Scandium, found in certain minerals and meteorites, is used in aluminum alloys for the aviation industry, whereas yttrium is used primarily in superalloys for aircraft engines and other high-temperature applications. Cerium is used in special steel used for nuclear reactors and other high-temperature processes. In addition to these valuable elements, rare earths can also be found in a family of related compounds called rare earth metals.
The most important of the rare earth metals are lanthanum, cerium, and neodymium. Lanthanum is used in batteries and fluorescent lamps, whereas neodymium is used in industrial magnets and lasers. Cerium oxide is a popular rare earth metal compound and is used in various products, ranging from glass polishing agents to ceramic colors to catalysts. In addition, cerium oxide can also be used to create rare earths like yttrium and scandium in a process called enrichment.
Rare earths can also be extracted from naturally occurring ore bodies through a process called mining. Mining involves extracting the ore body, which can contain a mix of valuable rare earth compounds, as well as other elements like iron and aluminum. The extracted rare earth compounds are then separated into different compounds using chemical processes. Once separated, these compounds can then be used in various products, such as catalysts, optical fiber, grinding media, and fluorescent lamps.
Other rare earth metals, such as thorium and uranium, can be found in nuclear waste. These rare earth metals are typically separated from the waste and used in various industrial applications. Thorium oxide is used in radiation therapy for cancer and uranium-based fuels are used in nuclear power plants.
The rare earth industry is highly regulated, as rare earths are critical to many of the technologies that we rely upon. In addition, rare earths are also very expensive, so the extraction process must be managed carefully to ensure optimal cost efficiency. To ensure resource and environmental protection, laws are in place around the world that set limits on how rare earths and rare earth compounds can be extracted and used.
In addition to rare earths, rare earth compounds can also be synthesized or manufactured. One of the most important rare earth compounds, thorium hydride, is the basis for a new class of fuel cells. When thorium hydride is mixed with hydrogen, it produces a highly reactive form of energy that can be used to generate electricity. These fuel cells are being explored as a clean energy source, and are seen as a potential solution to the global energy crisis.
In conclusion, rare earths are a valuable and rare resource that plays an important role in many different industries. These elements and compounds are used in a wide variety of products, ranging from aircraft engines to nuclear reactors. Furthermore, rare earths can be found in nature and can also be manufactured or synthesized to create new compounds like thorium hydride, which has the potential to revolutionize the clean energy industry. For these reasons, the rare earth industry must remain highly regulated to ensure their resource and environmental protection.
