Selective Separation of the Rare Earth Elements Dysprosium and Neodymium via Tailoring Nanocellulose Chemical Structure (Adv. Funct. Mater. 32/2026)

Hairy Nanocellulose for DyIII-NdIII Separation This cover illustrates selective heavy rare earth element dysprosium (DyIII) separation by dicarboxylate-functionalized hairy cellulose nanocrystals. Cooperative multidentate coordination between DyIII and C2/C3 dicarboxylate groups on flexible cellulose “hairs” induces conformational shrinkage and stabilized complexes, yielding ∼16.65 times higher selectivity for DyIII over NdIII. Experiments and molecular dynamics simulation reveal cooperative ionic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and structural responsiveness. More information can be found in the Research Article by Ratul Chowdhury, Amir Sheikhi and co-workers (10.1002/adfm.202526281). Artwork by the team of INMYWORK Studio.