December 22, 2024

Turning Tech Trash Into Precious Metals: Extracting Gold, Silver and Copper From Electronic Waste

In addition, the solvents utilized can be quickly recycled.Practical Applications and Environmental BenefitsResearchers at the University of Helsinki tested natural solvents on crushed circuit boards, successfully drawing out the gold and copper consisted of in them.” In this research study, we utilized what are understood as deep eutectic solvents, liquids, that are made from substances that are solid in space temperature and under normal pressure, such as choline chloride– likewise used in poultry feed– and urea, as well as other safe natural compounds,” states Postdoctoral Researcher Anže Zupanc from the Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki.Deep eutectic solvents are an unique type of solvent composed of 2 or more simple substances, which together form a mix with a low melting point. They have lots of applications as solvents, including in chemical responses, catalysis and extraction techniques.Solvent Reusability and Green ChemistryIn this study, lactic acid has likewise been used as a solvent and hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant.