这对科学夫妻，在北大锅炉房里撬动世界稀土格局

Core Insights - China has maintained a dominant position in rare earth mining and refining over the past 30 years, with projections indicating that it will continue to lead global rare earth processing and refining output significantly for the next 15 years [1] - In the 1970s, despite having the world's richest rare earth resources, China was unable to produce high-purity rare earth products and had to export raw materials cheaply while importing refined products at high prices [4][6] - The story of scientists Xu Guangxian and Gao Xiaxia illustrates the struggle to break free from technological constraints imposed by Western companies, leading to significant advancements in China's rare earth industry [5][8] Industry Overview - Rare earth elements, comprising 17 chemical elements, are essential for modern industry, enhancing the properties of materials used in various high-tech applications [8] - In the 1970s, China's rare earth industry was characterized by a lack of technology, leading to a cycle of exporting raw materials and importing refined products, which was economically disadvantageous [6][10] - Western companies, such as France's Rhone Poulenc, dominated the international rare earth market, controlling advanced separation technologies that China could not access due to high costs and strict confidentiality [9][11] Technological Breakthroughs - Xu Guangxian and Gao Xiaxia initiated a scientific revolution in a makeshift laboratory, developing a new extraction method known as "cascade extraction" to separate rare earth elements with high purity [14][21] - The cascade extraction theory allowed for continuous and efficient industrial production, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods like ion exchange and crystallization [22][23] - The successful application of this theory in industrial settings marked a turning point for China's rare earth industry, leading to a significant shift in the global market dynamics [27][31] Historical Impact - By 1980, Xu and Gao's contributions were recognized as they both became members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, reflecting the transformative impact of their work on the rare earth industry [30] - The widespread adoption of cascade extraction technology led to China's dominance in the rare earth market, capturing over 90% of the global share by the present day [40][42] - The legacy of Xu and Gao's work continues to influence China's position in high-tech industries, showcasing the importance of scientific innovation in national development [43][44]