Photo: Eva Kézrová, Czech Radio
A group of researchers at the Czech Academy of Sciences developed a method of recycling rare earth minerals used in batteries for electronic vehicles. China has long been considered to hold a monopoly over mining and refining these elements. With this new discovery, Czech scientists pave the way for a potentially more sustainable and independent practice within Europe.
Research at the IOCB – Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry – focused primarily on neodymium magnets, the strongest permanent magnets known, commonly used in cars, phones and turbines.
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