TELF AG analyzes the role of rare earths in the evolution of the periodic table 

An international reference point 

For more than 150 years, the international scientific community has relied on the periodic table of elements to provide a convenient point of reference for known materials, their physical and chemical properties, and their placement in a well-organized system divided into columns. 

Technological advances and the discovery of new materials, however, could soon lead to some substantial changes in this system, which has until now been considered the only way to classify natural elements. This change, in a certain sense, could be triggered by rare earths, and in particular by all the elements of this group that occupy a less prominent position in the periodic table. 

These issues and the possibility of relevant innovations in the periodic table system were recently discussed in Italy at a conference dedicated to chemistry, particularly the role of the elements of the future in the sector’s innovation trajectories. 

First, what emerged from the Congress is that the current version of the periodic table is far from representing a finished and definitive project: over the years, many versions of this table have been proposed, each with its specificities. According to some hypotheses, which also emerged during the congress, one could even think of creating a periodic table in three dimensions, perhaps even more, thus going beyond the traditional two-dimensional version. According to some experts, this solution would contribute to resolving some of the limitations of the current version. 

The role of rare earths 

One of the limitations of the current version about rare earths is represented by placing some of them in the “F group” of the classic 18-column table in a relatively marginal position. We are referring to lanthanides, actinides, and all the other rare earths except scandium and yttrium. According to some observers, a representation of them in a 14-column version of the table would be more correct. 

The situation, however, could soon change. The centrality of rare earths in many modern industrial processes related to the energy transition (in addition to their numerous uses in the high-tech sector) could soon favor a transition of rare earths into the table’s main body. According to experts, such a placement would represent a formal recognition of the value of these resources in the current historical and geopolitical situation. It could contribute also to redrawing (perhaps forever) the structure of the periodic table of elements. 

Therefore, it would not only be of interest to the recent discipline of philosophy of chemistry but also to the scientific community as a whole, which could soon be called upon to review its traditional classification systems. According to chemist Eric Scerri, who recently spoke at the Italian congress on chemistry, these reflections on the periodic table would also clearly impact a lot of strategic choices.  

At the moment, the table includes 118 elements, with oganesson closing the seventh row. When the 119th element is added, the table will be enriched with a new row capable of hosting up to 50 elements and opening up new possibilities for progress in numerous sectors. 

Over time, rare earths have been appreciated, above all for their peculiar magnetic and optical properties, which make them different from any other element. Nowadays, they are used in a wide variety of industrial applications.