Separation of rare earth elements and nickel harnessing electrochemistry and reactive CO2 capture and mineralization†

The aim is to probe the chemical mechanisms underlying the use of multifunctional solvents to simultaneously capture and convert CO₂ into insoluble rare earth element (REE)-carbonates, while forming soluble complexes with nickel for separation. Subsequent nickel electrodeposition regenerates the CO₂-loaded solvent for reuse.