Determination of Rare-Earth Elements in Rare-Earth Magnets by Polarized Zeeman Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Rare-earth elements are essential materials for manufacturing high-performance products. Wasted home appliances are called "urban mines" ; there are many parts that contain rare metals, such as rare-earth elements. For effective recycling, it is necessary to measure the rare-earth elements in urban mines. The measurement conditions of the rare-earth elements with polarized Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry were optimized. In the presence of ethanol and potassium nitrate, sensitivities of rare-earth elements were improved, and no interference of coexisting iron. Rare-earth magnets were chosen as an example of urban mines. In rare-earth magnets, Nd, Dy, Pr, Gd and Sm were measured by polarized Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry. Spike recoveries were obtained from 90 to 110%. Rare-earth elements in rare-earth magnets could be measured satisfactorily.