Program Structure

Module 1: Introduction to Rare Earth Elements and Thermal Power Plant Waste

• Overview of rare earth elements and their critical role in modern technologies such as electronics, magnets, and renewable energy systems.
• Introduction to the types of waste produced by thermal power plants, including fly ash and slag.
• Understanding the potential for recycling these waste materials to recover rare earth elements.

Module 2: Extraction Techniques for Rare Earth Elements

• Understanding the chemical and physical processes used to extract rare earth elements from waste materials.
• Methods of extraction, including hydrometallurgical processes, solvent extraction, and pyrometallurgical techniques.
• Challenges in separating rare earth elements from other elements in waste and how to overcome them.

Module 3: Characterization of Extracted Rare Earth Elements

• Techniques for characterizing the extracted rare earth elements, including SEM, XRD, and ICP-OES.
• Assessing the purity, yield, and chemical composition of the extracted materials.
• Evaluation of the extracted rare earth elements for potential industrial applications.

Module 4: Applications of Rare Earth Elements

• Exploring the industrial applications of rare earth elements, such as permanent magnets, catalysts, batteries, and electronic devices.
• Understanding how the recovered rare earth elements can be used to reduce dependency on mining and promote a more sustainable supply chain.

Module 5: Environmental Benefits of Repurposing Thermal Power Plant Waste

• How nanoparticle synthesis from industrial waste can reduce pollution and environmental impact.
• The role of sustainability in transforming waste into valuable resources.
• Environmental considerations, including biodegradability, toxicity, and recyclability of nanoparticles.

Module 6: Hands-On Extraction and Purification

• Practical session: Recovering rare earth elements from thermal power plant waste (e.g., fly ash) and purifying them for use in applications.
• Optimizing the extraction conditions (temperature, pH, and chemical agents) for maximum yield and purity of rare earth elements.
• Testing the recovered materials for potential use in manufacturing applications.

Module 7: Scaling Up for Industrial Application

• Challenges and opportunities in scaling up rare earth extraction from small laboratory batches to industrial-scale operations.
• Exploring the economic feasibility of large-scale rare earth extraction and the potential for integration into waste-to-resource industries.
• The future of rare earth element recycling and its role in meeting the increasing demand for these materials.

Final Project

• Design and implement a process for extracting rare earth elements from thermal power plant waste for a specific application (e.g., energy storage or permanent magnets).
• Develop an end-to-end solution from the extraction process to characterization and application.
• Example projects: Developing a cost-effective process for extracting neodymium from fly ash for use in electric vehicle batteries.