Recovering gold from electronic waste becomes more efficient: a new method unveiled
A groundbreaking study published in *Nature Sustainability* has introduced a new approach to extracting gold from electronic waste using a sustainable and non-toxic method. This innovative technique, developed by a team led by Professor Justin Chalker, addresses several key issues associated with traditional gold extraction methods, which often rely on hazardous chemicals like cyanide and mercury.
The new approach integrates principles from green chemistry and engineering, using a leaching reagent derived from trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), a compound commonly used in water disinfection. TCCA can dissolve gold when activated with salt water, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals.
The study also introduces a novel sulphur-rich polymer sorbent that selectively binds gold from complex mixtures, such as those found in e-waste. This polymer is synthesised using light initiation, enhancing the efficiency of gold recovery.
The process involves a three-step technique that includes the use of a common disinfectant, the special polymer, and heat to recover high-purity gold without toxic chemicals. Adding heat causes the polymer to fall apart into its building blocks (monomers), releasing the gold. Recycling the polymer after gold recovery increases the method's green credentials.
The new gold recovery method shows promise for addressing the looming e-waste problem, with millions of tons generated annually. By recovering valuable metals like gold from discarded electronics, this method not only reduces waste but also supports a circular economy.
The team plans to collaborate with mining and e-waste recycling operations to trial their method on a larger scale. The polymer can recover gold from highly complex mixtures, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Artisanal and small-scale gold mines still use mercury for gold binding, contributing to 38% of global mercury emissions in 2015. The new approach aims to provide effective gold recovery methods that are safer for the environment and human health.
The demand for gold is rising due to its use in electronics, medicines, aerospace technology, and other products. The ever-growing demand necessitates the development of safe and versatile methods to purify gold from various sources. This study offers a significant step towards achieving that goal.
The study's success demonstrates the potential of interdisciplinary and international collaboration. By partnering with experts worldwide, the method can be applied globally, potentially setting a new standard for sustainable gold recovery and inspiring similar innovations for other metals.
Originally published by Cosmos under the title "Motherboard motherload: a better way to recover gold from e-waste", this research offers a sustainable pathway for gold extraction that minimizes environmental harm and supports global efforts to manage e-waste effectively.
Science and technology have united to address the health-and-wellness concern of minimizing environmental pollution caused by toxic chemicals used in traditional gold extraction methods. The new approach in environmental-science, developed by Professor Justin Chalker, utilizes trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) and a sulphur-rich polymer sorbent to recover gold from e-waste, thereby establishing a safer and more sustainable method that supports a circular economy.
