A novel electrochemical recycling strategy for NdFeB swarf with minimized chemical consumption

Abstract

This communication presents a chemical-minimized strategy for recycling NdFeB swarf using a three-chamber electrolysis cell. The NdFeB swarf was effectively dissolved in the anolyte, followed by electro-oxidation of Fe²⁺. By leveraging the cathodically generated NaOH, 94.56% of rare earth elements and nearly all Fe were recovered as rare earth oxides and δ-FeOOH, respectively, resulting in a significant reduction of alkali consumption by over 90%. This recycling process eliminates acid consumption and wastewater discharge with an acceptable energy consumption of 11.82 kW h kg⁻¹.