Analysis of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and multivariate analysis

Author(s)

Angel Aguirre, Miguel ^[1] ; Hidalgo, Montserrat ^[1] ; Canals, Antonio ^[1] ; Nobrega, Joaquim A. ^[2] ; Pereira-Filho, Edenir R. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Alicante, Dept Quim Analit Nutr & Bromatol, E-03080 Alicante - Spain

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Quim, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Talanta; v. 117, p. 419-424, DEC 15 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 20

Abstract

This study shows the application of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) investigation. Several emission spectra were obtained for 7 different mobiles from 4 different manufacturers. Using the emission spectra of the black components it was possible to see some differences among the manufacturers and some emission lines from organic elements and molecules (N, O, CN and C-2) led to the highest contribution for this differentiation. Some polymeric internal parts in contact with the inner pieces of the mobiles and covered with a special paint presented a strong emission signal for Cr. The white pieces presented mainly Al, Ba and Ti in their composition. Finally, this study developed a procedure for LIBS emission spectra using chemometric strategies and suitable information can be obtained for identification of manufacturer and counterfeit products. In addition, the results obtained can improve the classification for establishing recycling strategies of e-waste. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/01769-3 - Development of spectroanalytical methods for direct analysis of waste electrical and electronic equipments and cosmetics
• Grantee: Edenir Rodrigues Pereira Filho
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants