Annually, about 50 million tons of electronic waste worldwide are generated, but only a small part is recycled. Most end in embankments or incinerated, aggravating environmental pollution and wasting valuable metals.
To face this challenge, a team of scientists has developed a sustainable method to extract gold from electronic waste, avoiding polluting processes such as cyanide use. This solution can transform the way we recover precious metals.
The role of covalent organic structures
According to, researchers at Cornell’s Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences have resorted to Covalent Organic Structures (VCOF) to make extraction more efficient and ecological. This innovative method allows you to recover gold with high accuracy.
VCOF include elements such as tetratiafluvalene (TTF) and tetrafenyletylene (TPE), which play crucial roles in the process. The sulfur -rich TTF attracts gold, while the TPE ensures resistance and reuse without loss of effectiveness.
Proven efficiency
In the tests performed, this system was able to capture 99.9% of the gold present in electronic waste, leaving metals such as nickel and copper intact. This high effectiveness makes the method very promising for sustainable recycling.
Additional benefits
In addition to the recovery of gold, this system can contribute to the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the main gases responsible for the greenhouse effect, into useful chemical compounds, further reducing the environmental impact.
A step towards sustainability
This technology can play a key role in the selective recovery of precious metals. Electronic waste could reach 80 million metric tons by 2030, making it urgent to adopt effective solutions.
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The impact of the discovery
“The future of electronic waste requires sustainable and efficient solutions,” says Alida Abbaspourrad, co -author of the study. Valuation of these materials can help mitigate the negative effects of technological pollution.
Or economic potential
A ton of electronic waste contains up to ten times more gold than a ton of traditional ore. The use of this method may make metal extraction more accessible and sustainable.
Waste
Effective recycling of electronic waste will reduce the intensive exploitation of new gold deposits, minimizing the environmental impacts associated with mining extraction.
Large scale application
If applied on a large scale, this process can revolutionize electronic waste management, becoming a viable alternative for companies and governments concerned with sustainability.
An example of circular economy
This approach is part of the circular economy, where materials are reused instead of discarded, promoting a more responsible and environmentally friendly production cycle.
Turn problems into solutions
By turning waste into valuable resources, this method not only reduces pollution, but also creates economic and environmental opportunities. Innovation can thus redefine the concept of electronic waste.
With the adoption of this technology, a positive impact is expected to be globally, making the recycling of electronic waste a more efficient, sustainable and beneficial practice for the planet.
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