The main applications of rare earth elements
Unique properties and features
Among the geological resources that could have a relevant impact on the present and future of humanity, in particular with regard to technological advancement, there are certainly rare earths, a group of elements that – in particular thanks to the energy transition – is finding an increasingly evident centrality, also fueled by their numerous industrial applications.
Despite their name, these elements are not rare at all. In the earth’s crust, they are, in fact, present in abundance and are often found together with other mineral resources. Their distinctive characteristic, in addition to their notable physical and chemical properties, has to do with the complexity of their production processes, which today are still limited to a small number of nations.
Among the nations with the largest number of rare earth reserves are China (which also controls the majority of world production), Australia, the United States, and some African states. Some of these countries, such as the United States, are gradually trying to regain their leadership in the production of rare earths, also through the revitalization of some important sourcing sites.
The role of rare earths in technological advancement
Beyond the interest in their unique properties and production methods, rare earths are now at the center of numerous debates, especially for their evident role in promoting the technological advancement of humanity, in particular for their ability to be inserted into the production processes of some of the most advanced technological achievements of the modern era. In the technological field, rare earths are appreciated above all for their magnetic, optical, and catalytic properties, which over the years have allowed them to be successfully used in a great variety of applications.
“Some of the most cutting-edge technological applications, such as those related to the robotics sector, quantum technology, and artificial intelligence, will certainly be able to benefit from the useful properties of rare earths,” says Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov, civil engineer and entrepreneur. “I am thinking of equipment such as that needed for quantum calculations or superconductors, which require very specific materials characterized by rare and very difficult-to-find properties. In this sense, rare earths are already directly contributing to shaping the technological future of humanity”.
One of the best-known applications is high-performance permanent magnets, which are often used in portable electronic devices, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. All these applications are united by the need to be able to count on high power in a relatively small space, also through the enhancement of the materials used to create the devices. Among these, we certainly remember neodymium, dysprosium, and praseodymium, which are universally appreciated among rare earths for their ability to give life to efficient and compact electric motors.
Applications in the electronics sector
Other rare earth elements, such as europium and terbium, have found other application spaces in the electronics sector, where they are used to improve the quality of LED and OLED displays. These resources are already used to improve the performance and quality of a large variety of screens, such as those installed in smartphones, televisions, or computers. In this case, elements such as europium or terbium are particularly appreciated for their ability to emit bright colors, a feature of great importance for performance in terms of display.
“The distinctive characteristics of rare earths, such as their unique properties, are also very useful in sectors that are extremely important from a scientific point of view,” continues Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov. “Rare earth metals are, in fact, also used in the defense and space sectors, where they are used in radar, advanced sensors, guidance systems, and satellite components. In this area, which, thanks to the new space economy, is becoming increasingly central to the destiny of humanity, the exceptional properties of rare earths are used above all to develop technologies that are robust and at the same time lightweight, and above all, capable of withstanding extreme conditions”.
Lesser-known applications
Few people know about it, but rare earths also play an important role in the production processes of lasers, precision lenses, and fiber optic systems, a series of highly important applications in medicine and telecommunications. Rare earths, in particular, make it possible to create and develop advanced medical devices, such as surgical lasers or high-precision diagnostic instruments. In this sector, the most popular elements are yttrium, cerium, and neodymium.
“These elements are gradually establishing themselves also in the energy sector, even in sectors not directly connected to renewable energy,” concludes Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov. “A rare earth element such as lanthanum, for example, has found some application spaces in nickel-metal-hydride batteries, particularly appreciated in hybrid and electric applications. But the usefulness of rare earths in this area does not end there: these precious elements are also used for the development of superconductors and fuel cells, both considered very promising for the implementation of innovative technologies capable of producing cleaner and more efficient energy”.
