BauArf56 - 4-3-2020 at 02:14
Hi! Yesterday i tried to synthetize neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) from Nd2Fe14B magnets. For first, i've broked some magnets into small pieces (with the
nichel external layer), then i placed them in a copper sulfate solution. After some hour, the solution turned orange. In that solution should be iron
sulfate, nichel sulfate, neodymium sulfate and some boron (i'm not sure about the Nd2(SO4)3). I add sodium hydroxide to the solution and the solution
turned black. Theoretically, after the NaOH addition, should precipitate iron hydroxide, nichel hydroxide and neodymium hydroxide. I was thinking that
was black for Nd(OH)3, but it is purple, so i exluded his formation. Why was black? Is there any other method for extracting it? Thanks
woelen - 4-3-2020 at 02:55
Isolating Nd from a magnet is not that easily done. You get a complicated mix of all kinds of chemicals.
I would proceed by using a strong acid, to dissolve all of the metallic material. The boron most likely remains behind as solid, the metals go in
solution. You'll get Ni, Fe, Nd, and other lanthanide metals (which usually are present in cheap Nd, used for making the magnets). There are threads
on sciencemadness on extraction of Nd. try to find that information and read that.