What Challenges are Associated with Rare Earth Oxides?
Despite their benefits, the use of REOs is not without challenges. One major issue is the supply chain, as rare earth elements are predominantly mined in specific regions, leading to geopolitical and economic vulnerabilities. Additionally, the extraction and processing of rare earth elements can be environmentally damaging. Efforts are ongoing to develop more sustainable mining practices and to find alternative materials that can mimic the catalytic properties of REOs.