Obsolete Technology Could Be a 'Treasure Trove'
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It's no secret that modern households often find themselves grappling with an overwhelming collection of outdated devices and cables. Yet, this electronic scrapyard isn't just a remnant of outdated trends. Determined individuals can breathe new life into these relics, as they contain valuable metals like gold – yes, the precious metal! Researchers estimate that a printed circuit board might contain 200-900 mg of gold per kilogram.
Extracting that gold is a challenging task historically requiring hazardous substances such as cyanide and mercury. However, scientists at Flinders University in Australia have proposed a revolutionary gold extraction and recycling method that poses a lower risk for both human health and the environment. Using a leaching reagent derived from trichloroisocyanuric acid, a common and sustainable compound used in water disinfection, they have successfully isolated gold without incorporating dangerous chemicals.
Their research, published in the renowned Nature Sustainability journal, demonstrates the effectiveness of their process on both e-waste and used ore concentrates. The team's approach aims to strike a balance between gold's versatile uses and minimizing environmental and health concerns.
The Enchantment of Gold in Electronics
The allure of gold has captivated humans for millennia. It has supported the economies of empires, graced the crowns of royalty, and rescued teeth in emergency root canals – quite the legend! Today, gold's undeniable electrical conductivity, durability, and resistance to corrosion finds it widely used in electronics. In essence, gold permeates the everyday devices we use in our offices. Although tech companies have been recycling gold for years, most still ends up in landfills. To add further concern, the contamination from toxic substances used to strip gold from devices isn't the only issue; the industrial leaching process devours vast amounts of water, exacerbating its environmental impact.
So, what's the solution? Flinders University researchers propose an eco-friendly alternative. First, they developed a process using TCCA (activated by saltwater) that effectively dissolves gold, eliminating the need for hazardous substances. Next, they engineered a novel polymer that captures gold selectively, even in the presence of numerous other metals. The polymer self-destructs once it has captured the gold, leaving the pure element behind for recycling.
"By providing efficient and environmentally-friendly gold recovery methods, we seek to support the diverse applications of gold while reducing its environmental footprint," says Flinders University professor and paper author, Justin Chalker.
In trials, the team demonstrated their process's effectiveness on a variety of materials, including e-waste, concentrated gold ores, and scientific waste streams. With the sheer volume of e-waste globalization generates, this method presents an enormous opportunity for sustainable recycling efforts. The researchers are currently collaborating with mining and e-waste recycling companies to scale their research for real-world impact.
"We dove into a mountain of e-waste and emerged victorious with a golden nugget!" declares Flinders University research associate and co-author, Harshal Patel. "Our hope is that this research inspires groundbreaking solutions for critical global issues."
E-waste Today, and Tomorrow
While we await the wide-scale adoption of this innovative gold extraction method, nobody needs to wait to do their part in reducing e-waste. Most major cities offer certified e-waste recycling centers that accept a multitude of discarded electronics. Local scrap yards, bargain shops like Goodwill, and even some private companies may purchase your old devices for a small sum, with gold, silver, and copper-rich items fetching the best returns. By recycling our e-waste, we can help create a more sustainable future while contributing to the treasure trove of technological advancement.
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- In the realm of technology, gold continues to retain its importance due to its electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion, often found in devices such as smartphones and other gadgets.
- The engineering breakthrough by scientists at Flinders University offers a sustainable solution for gold extraction from e-waste, making strides in minimizing environmental and health concerns associated with traditional methods.
- To promote sustainability and environmental science, explore our Daily Newsletter for an enlightening journey through the world of technology and discoveries, along with DIY tips on repurposing yesterday's gadgets into tomorrow's treasures.
