New Method to Extract Gold from Old Phones, Laptops Developed
In a breakthrough discovery, scientists at Flinders University in Australia have developed a safer and more sustainable way to extract gold from ore and electronic waste (e-waste) like old phones and laptops. The innovative method involves a three-step process that makes it possible to recover gold from these sources with greater ease and minimal environmental impact.
The new method, which has been published in the journal Chemical Engineering Journal, uses a combination of trichloroisocyanuric acid, a new polysulphide polymer, and pyrolysis or depolymerization to extract gold. This approach not only reduces the amount of toxic chemicals used in the process but also increases the efficiency of gold recovery.
The problem of e-waste
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a growing concern globally. The rapid pace of technological advancements has led to a significant increase in the number of electronic devices being discarded, with millions of tons of e-waste generated every year. This waste not only poses environmental hazards but also contains valuable materials like gold, copper, and silver that can be recovered and reused.
Traditional methods of gold extraction
Currently, gold is extracted from ore and e-waste using a combination of physical and chemical methods. These methods involve the use of toxic chemicals like cyanide, mercury, and lead, which can have devastating environmental and health impacts. For instance, cyanide can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life, while mercury can cause neurological damage and birth defects.
Moreover, these traditional methods are often energy-intensive and require large amounts of water, making them unsustainable in the long run.
New method: A safer and more sustainable approach
The new method developed by the Flinders University team offers a safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional gold extraction methods. The process involves the following steps:
- Dissolving gold: Trichloroisocyanuric acid is used to dissolve the gold in the e-waste or ore. This acid is more effective and safer than traditional cyanide-based methods.
- Binding gold with polymer: The gold is then bound to a new polysulphide polymer that selectively absorbs gold. This polymer is designed to be reusable and can be used multiple times.
- Recovering gold: The gold-bound polymer is then subjected to pyrolysis or depolymerization to recover the gold. Pyrolysis involves heating the polymer in the absence of oxygen, while depolymerization involves breaking down the polymer using chemical reactions.
Advantages of the new method
The new method has several advantages over traditional gold extraction methods. Some of the key benefits include:
- Reduced environmental impact: The use of trichloroisocyanuric acid and polysulphide polymer reduces the amount of toxic chemicals used in the process, minimizing environmental hazards.
- Higher efficiency: The new method is more efficient than traditional methods, allowing for better gold recovery rates.
- Cost-effective: The process is cost-effective and can be scaled up for commercial use.
- Reusable polymer: The polysulphide polymer can be reused multiple times, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Conclusion
The new method developed by the Flinders University team offers a safer and more sustainable way to extract gold from e-waste and ore. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to revolutionize the gold mining industry and reduce its environmental impact. As the world grapples with the growing problem of e-waste, it is essential to develop innovative solutions that can help recover valuable materials while minimizing harm to the environment.
