Rare Earth Elements: Synthesis Methods and Applications – A Brief Review

Rare earth elements (REEs) play an important role in modern science and technology due to their unique electronic, optical, and magnetic properties. These elements have attracted significant attention for applications in catalysis, energy devices, sensors, optoelectronics, environmental remediation and biomedical fields. This brief review presents an overview of commonly employed synthesis methods for rare earth elements and their compounds, including solid-state reactions, sol–gel processes, hydrothermal and solvothermal methods, co-precipitation, combustion synthesis and chemical vapor–based techniques. The advantages and limitations of each synthesis approach are discussed. The review also highlights recent advances in the application of rare earth–based materials in functional devices and emerging technologies. The aim of this article is to provide a concise understanding of synthesis strategies and application prospects of rare earth elements.