Elementos terras-raras: características e aplicações

Abstract

The present work regards to the versatility of the rare earths elements, which are employed in several products of high technology. The development of rare earths has been rich in innovation and is target of study of several scientists due to their chemical properties features. In this study it was made a review of literature covering general knowledge about the elements, analytical meth-ods, just like economic aspects. Firstly, it was exposed a basic description about the nature of the rare earths, their biological and industrial applications, including their toxicology. In sequence, it has been reported a brief historic followed of the world economic scenery, providing emphasis to Brazilian situation. Furthermore, it was exposed a balance of supply and demand of the minerals and their prices. Finally, it was presented the commonly used separation methods, giving featured to process employed on the Project Araxá in Minas Gerais. In conclusion, the study showed how the chemical properties are associated at distinct characteristics of these elements, just like their application in high technology products is growing every day. Thus, it was possible verify the big potential these elements.