This disclosure relates to a process for selectively extracting Fe(III) ions from an aqueous feedstock containing Fe(III) ions and non-ferric ions. The process comprises contacting the feedstock with an organic phase comprising a phosphonium salt or ammonium salt ionic liquid under liquid-liquid extraction conditions for a time sufficient to allow transfer of at least some of the Fe(III) ions from the feedstock to the organic phase to provide an Fe(III) ion laden organic phase and an Fe(III) depleted feedstock, and separating the Fe(III) ion laden organic phase from the Fe(III) depleted feedstock.

The present disclosure generally relates to processes for the reduction of transition metals using alkali metals to produce reduced transition metals.

The present disclosure generally relates to processes for the reduction of transition metals using alkali metals to produce reduced transition metals.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a process for producing hydrogen and graphitic carbon from a hydrocarbon gas comprising: contacting at a temperature between 600? C. and 1000? C. the catalyst with the hydrocarbon gas to catalytically convert at least a portion of the hydrocarbon gas to hydrogen and graphitic carbon, wherein the catalyst is a low grade iron oxide.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a process for producing hydrogen and graphitic carbon from a hydrocarbon gas comprising: contacting at a temperature between 600? C. and 1000? C. the catalyst with the hydrocarbon gas to catalytically convert at least a portion of the hydrocarbon gas to hydrogen and graphitic carbon, wherein the catalyst is a low grade iron oxide.

A method includes contacting a coal feedstock with an acidic solution to form residual coal and a leachate. The method further includes separating the residual coal from the leachate where the leachate contains rare earth elements and where the residual coal has preserved organic content and reduced inorganic content. Another method includes contacting a coal feedstock with a basic solution to form residual coal and a leachate. The method further includes separating the residual coal from the leachate where the leachate contains rare earth elements and where the residual coal has reduced inorganic content, but preserved organic content.

Novel methods for the production of iron, silicon, and magnesium metal from extraterrestrial and terrestrial resources are described. The methods employ processing steps including metal oxide reduction using carbon monoxide, carbon, hydrogen, and methane. Methods to prepare, regenerate, and recycle reductants to minimize mining and purchase of fresh materials and to minimize carbon emissions are included.

Methods are provided for the recovery of scandium from scandium-bearing ores. The methods included leaching under atmospheric conditions using various acids. Solution impurities are removed from the leachate and scandium values are then recovered from the leachate.

Provided is a production method for producing pellets that are used for producing an iron-nickel alloy and that are produced by mixing at least a nickel oxide ore, a carbonaceous reducing agent, and an iron oxide and agglomerating the obtained mixtures, the method comprising: a step S11 for producing at least two types of mixtures having different mixing ratios of nickel oxide ore, carbonaceous reducing agent, and iron oxide; and a step S12 for forming pellets, which are agglomerates having a layered structure, by using the two or more types of mixtures such that the mixture with the highest content ratio of iron oxide, among the two or more types of mixtures forms the outermost layer.

Provided is a production method for producing pellets that are used for producing an iron-nickel alloy and that are produced by mixing at least a nickel oxide ore, a carbonaceous reducing agent, and an iron oxide and agglomerating the obtained mixtures, the method comprising: a step S11 for producing at least two types of mixtures having different mixing ratios of nickel oxide ore, carbonaceous reducing agent, and iron oxide; and a step S12 for forming pellets, which are agglomerates having a layered structure, by using the two or more types of mixtures such that the mixture with the highest content ratio of iron oxide, among the two or more types of mixtures forms the outermost layer.