University of Iowa Breakthrough Reveals New Praseodymium Oxidation State, Expanding Rare Earth Potential

Highlights

• Researchers at University of Iowa identified a rare +5 oxidation state for praseodymium.
• This discovery expands beyond praseodymium’s traditional +3 and +4 states.
• The discovery could significantly impact advanced materials, redox chemistry, and quantum technologies.
• The breakthrough remains in early experimental stages.
• Significant technical challenges exist for practical implementation.

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In an interesting scientific development, researchers led by Bess Vlaisavljevich (opens in a new tab) at the University of Iowa have discovered a new oxidation state (+5) for the rare earth element praseodymium, published in Nature Chemistry on April 7. Historically thought to be limited to +3 and +4 states, the identification of a pentavalent praseodymium state could significantly expand the technical applications of lanthanides, including advanced materials, redox chemistry, and quantum technologies.

While this breakthrough, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and National Science Foundation, opens new doors for praseodymium and potentially other lanthanides and actinides, stabilizing and practically exploiting this highly charged state remains an immense scientific and commercial challenge, reports (opens in a new tab) the University of Iowa.

Critically, while the study showcases the potential for broader use of rare earth elements beyond their traditional applications in magnets and electronics, the work remains at an early, experimental stage with no immediate path to commercial deployment. The industrial impact will depend on overcoming substantial barriers in stabilizing pentavalent lanthanides under realistic conditions, scaling synthesis processes, and ensuring economic viability in mining and refining operations that are already strained by global pressures on the rare earth supply chain. This discovery is important, but its translation to practical use will likely be long and technically demanding.

Rare Earth Exchanges will continue to monitor similar breakthroughs while tracking the evolution of this one.