DARPA funds College of Engineering professor’s research on eco-friendly approach to purify rare earth elements for use in electronics
Purifying rare earth elements is an essential step in the manufacturing of electric vehicles and other technologies. Leah Spangler, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemical and life science engineering at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) College of Engineering, recently received funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to test an eco-friendly approach for separating rare earth elements into a refined final product using proteins.
Instead of searching for naturally occurring proteins, Spangler’s lab will engineer artificial ones specifically designed to separate rare earth elements on demand. The project focuses on two main goals: developing proteins that bind to specific rare earth elements and creating light-responsive proteins for controlled release.
“This project is an exciting step forward for my new research lab and will set the stage for many future projects that leverage proteins in unique ways to create sustainable materials for renewable energy technologies,” Spangler said.
Current industrial methods for separating rare earth elements are energy-intensive and use dangerous chemicals. Spangler’s protein-based approach offers an environmentally friendly alternative that could reduce waste and environmental impact.
Rare earth elements are critical components in computers, aircraft engines and rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles. This funding marks Spangler’s first research award at VCU and launches the lab’s work on novel proteins for critical mineral purification.
The Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering provides undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to perform real-world research as soon as they enroll. From delving into the intricacies of pharmaceutical manufacturing to exploring the effects of climate change through heat studies, our students pursue a diverse range of cutting-edge research topics. Browse videos and recent news from the Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering to discover how the College of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University prepares the next generation of scientists and engineers for the challenges of the future.
Categories Chemical & Life Science Engineering, Research Grants