Congratulations to Ki-Hyun and Wangsuk on their recent publication presenting the photoelectrochemical recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) using redox polymer-functionalized adsorbents, powered by renewable solar energy
Published in Advanced Functional Materials, this study proposed an energy-efficient REE recovery system by coupling in-situ acid generation with interfacial redox-reactions through photoelectrochemical pathways. The functionalized electrodes enabled both high-capacity spontaneous adsorption of REE cations under dark and nearly 100% photoelectrochemical regeneration of adsorbed REE cations, while consuming 68.8% less energy than solely electrochemical systems. The dual-functionality of these copolymer-based photoelectrochemical systems offers a sustainable platform for modulating critical element recovery.