Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 chemically similar metallic elements comprising the lanthanides (lanthanum to lutetium) plus scandium and yttrium, characterized by partially filled 4f electron shells that confer unique magnetic, optical, and catalytic properties. In geochemistry and materials science, REEs are typically divided into light and heavy subgroups based on atomic number and ionic radius, which control partitioning behavior, coordination chemistry, and lattice incorporation in minerals. Their coherent but subtly fractionated behavior in magmatic, metamorphic, and sedimentary processes makes REE patterns powerful tracers of source composition, redox conditions, and fluid–rock interaction in Earth and planetary systems.
Cerium is a rare Earth metal that has numerous technological applications, for example, in some types of lightbulbs and flat-screen TVs. While the element is rare in Earth's crust, it is slightly more abundant in the universe. ...
General Physics
Mar 21, 2024
1
45
Qubits are the building block for quantum technology, and finding or building qubits that are stable and easily manipulated is one of the central goals of quantum technology research. Scientists have found that an atom of ...
Condensed Matter
Feb 8, 2024
0
170
Lanthanide (Ln3+)-doped photon avalanche (PA) upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) can be applied in super-resolution bioimaging, miniaturized lasers, single-molecule tracking and quantum optics.
Nanophysics
Oct 13, 2023
0
1
Researchers have devised a method for combining high-cost platinum and a low-cost rare earth element, lanthanum, as an alloy to serve as a catalyst in the next generation of fuel cells that will improve their performance ...
Nanomaterials
Oct 11, 2022
0
20
What do corncobs and tomato peels have to do with electronics? They both can be used to salvage valuable rare earth elements, like neodymium, from electronic waste. Penn State researchers used micro- and nanoparticles created ...
Nanomaterials
Aug 19, 2022
0
67
Manufacturers rely on rare earth elements, like neodymium, to create strong magnets used in motors for electronics including hybrid cars, aircraft generators, loudspeakers, hard drives and in-ear headphones. But mineral deposits ...
Nanomaterials
Nov 24, 2021
0
38
Lead-free halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) with unique optical properties are promising in light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photodetectors, and solar cells.
Nanophysics
Sep 9, 2021
0
46
National University of Singapore researchers have developed a new generation of near infra-red (NIR)-emitting nanoprobes for super-resolution imaging in deep tissues. These nanoprobes are based on lanthanide-doped nanomaterials ...
Bio & Medicine
Jun 21, 2021
0
14
