Method for synthesizing a rare earth element by redox reaction

Abstract

A method for synthesising a rare earth element by a redox reaction. The starting material side of the reaction for synthesising the rare earth element includes a rare earth compound, in which the rare earth element is present in a positive oxidation state, and hydrogen. The redox reaction takes place in two stages. First, a hydration reaction takes place between an elementary rare earth element and hydrogen to form a rare earth hydride. Then, a reaction takes place between the rare earth compound and the rare earth hydride. An elementary rare earth element and a hydrogen-containing compound are produced at the same time as the product of the reaction.

1 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . A method of preparing an elemental rare earth element, comprising:
 concurrently producing a product elemental rare earth element and a hydrogen-containing compound as products of a redox reaction, a starting material side of the redox reaction including hydrogen and a rare earth compound having a rare earth element in a positive oxidation number, and the redox reaction including, as reaction stages,
 a hydrogenation reaction between a reactant elemental rare earth element and the hydrogen to form a rare earth hydride, and, subsequently, 
 a reaction between the rare earth compound and the rare earth hydride. 
   
     
     
         8 . The method as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the rare earth compound is a halide or an oxide. 
     
     
         9 . The method as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein at least the hydrogenation reaction takes place at a pressure of more than 10 bar. 
     
     
         10 . The method as claimed in  claim 9 ,
 wherein the hydrogen-containing compound produced by the redox reaction is gaseous, and   wherein the method further comprises lowering a partial pressure of the hydrogen-containing compound.   
     
     
         11 . The process as claimed in  claim 10 , further comprising discharging the hydrogen-containing compound from the reactor by a blower. 
     
     
         12 . The process as claimed in  claim 9 , further comprising discharging the hydrogen-containing compound from the reactor by a blower. 
     
     
         13 . The method as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the rare earth compound is a halide or an oxide. 
     
     
         14 . The method as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the redox reaction is performed at a temperature of more than 800° C. 
     
     
         15 . The method as claimed in  claim 14 ,
 wherein the hydrogen-containing compound produced by the redox reaction is gaseous, and   wherein the method further comprises lowering a partial pressure of the hydrogen-containing compound.   
     
     
         16 . The process as claimed in  claim 15 , further comprising discharging the hydrogen-containing compound from the reactor by a blower. 
     
     
         17 . The method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the pressure is more than 40 bar. 
     
     
         18 . The method as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the temperature is more than 1000° C. 
     
     
         19 . The method as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the pressure is more than 40 bar. 
     
     
         20 . The method as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the redox reaction is performed at a temperature of more than 800° C. 
     
     
         21 . The method as claimed in  claim 20 ,
 wherein the hydrogen-containing compound produced by the redox reaction is gaseous, and   wherein the method further comprises lowering a partial pressure of the hydrogen-containing compound.   
     
     
         22 . The process as claimed in  claim 21 , further comprising discharging the hydrogen-containing compound from the reactor by a blower. 
     
     
         23 . The method as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the redox reaction is performed at a temperature of more than 800° C. 
     
     
         24 . The method as claimed in  claim 23 , wherein the temperature is more than 1000° C. 
     
     
         25 . The method as claimed in  claim 7 ,
 wherein the hydrogen-containing compound produced by the redox reaction is gaseous, and   wherein the method further comprises lowering a partial pressure of the hydrogen-containing compound.   
     
     
         26 . The process as claimed in  claim 7 , further comprising discharging the hydrogen-containing compound from the reactor by a blower.