A team of researchers led by assistant professor Audie Key Thompson has received a research award to explore the development of efficient separation methods for rare earth metals in Arkansas.  

Rare earth elements are low in concentration in the rock formations where they are found. Separation methods developed through this research could reduce the cost of extracting rare earth metals, which are of national importance for producing clean-energy products like magnets and batteries, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.  Rare earth elements can also be found in hard drives, smart phones, fuel cells, petroleum refining, X-ray imaging and fiber optics. 

Thompson holds the Robert E. Babcock, Sr. Professorship in Chemical Process Safety & Environmental Fate of Chemicals. Her research focuses on surface modification chemistries to achieve selective separation using functionally specified membranes and thin films.  

Joining Thompson in this research are U of A chemical engineering professor Jamie Hestekin and assistant professor Karthik Nayani. David Pollock, a master scientific research tech in the university's Department of Biological Sciences, is also part of the research team. 

The team will apply a series of methods to extract rare earth elements, including geochemistry analysis, metal extraction and membrane separation processes. The goal of these combined methods is to separate and purify valuable materials from complex soil mixtures. In the end, the research team plans to develop a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to identify, recover and even recycle rare earth elements. 

Rare earth metals are a family of 17 elements, according to the Arkansas Geological Survey. All 17 elements are metals, rather than minerals or solid fuels, and only a few of the elements are actually rare. Rare earth elements are commonly mixed with other minerals or geological rocks, necessitating advancements in their extraction. 

ARK Mineral Resources' sponsorship of this award is the result of a collaboration between Terra Intel LLC and the Division of Research and Innovation Industry Seed Funding Program at the U of A. Terra Intel is an earth and natural resources intelligence group based in Colorado. The Division of Research and Innovation is a strategic university research program for developing new collaborations between U of A researchers and industry partners. The seed funding program focuses on proof-of-concept research outcomes. 

About the Department of Chemical Engineering: Chemical engineering has been a part of the University of Arkansas curriculum since 1903. Today, the Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering has an enrollment of over 300 students in its undergraduate and graduate degree programs and houses five endowed chairs and eight endowed professorships to support its faculty. Faculty expertise includes cellular engineering, chemical process safety, advanced materials, and membrane separations. A wide range of fundamental and applied research is conducted in the areas of energy, health, sustainability, and computational chemical engineering. The department is also home to the Chemical Hazards Research Center and is one of three national sites for the Membrane Science, Engineering, & Technology (MAST) Center. The Department of Chemical Engineering is named for alumnus Ralph E. Martin (B.S.Ch.E.'58, M.S.Ch.E.'60) in recognition of his 2005 endowment gift.  

Michael McAllister, project/program specialist Chemical Engineering 479-571-3196, mrmcalli@uark.edu

Jennifer P. Cook, director of communications College of Engineering 479-575-5697, jpc022@uark.edu

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