Recycling of printed circuit boards: ultrasound-assisted comminution and leaching for metals recovery

Author(s)

dos Santos, D. M. ; Buzzi, D. C. ; Botelho Junior, A. B. ; Espinosa, D. C. R.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT; v. 24, n. 5, p. 11-pg., 2022-07-06.

Abstract

The increase of electronic equipment consumption associated makes the recycling process crucial worldwide. Use of emerging technologies for recycling has demonstrated enhance process efficiency. Ultrasound-assisted in the comminution and leaching has been explored and results demonstrate the feasibility for e-waste applications. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the ultrasound on recycling of PCBs. Ultrasound-assisted comminution was applied to understand its effect on the leaching in different particle sizes. Results have shown that the particle size distribution of PCBs reduced by 25% in 4 h by ultrasound (700 W). The effect of acid concentration, solid-liquid ratio, ultrasound power, and oxidizing agent were explored in leaching experiments. Extraction of aluminum increased twice under the effect of ultrasound. The leaching efficiency for iron achieved a half compared with silent experiments due to the iron oxide formation resulting in less contaminant to the leach solution. It may cause lower nickel recovery. Leaching of copper was benefited by ultrasound under oxidant media. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/11866-5 - Development of innovative processes for the recovery of critical metals
• Grantee: Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/51544-5 - Study on hydrometallurgic route for the recovery of metals from obsolete lead free printed circuit boards
• Grantee: Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants