Application of Ionic Liquids for the Recycling and Recovery of Technologically Critical and Valuable Metals

Grace Inman, Ikenna C. Nlebedim and Denis Prodius
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Grace Inman: Ames Laboratory, Department of Energy U.S., Critical Materials Institute, Ames, IA 50011-3020, USA
Ikenna C. Nlebedim: Ames Laboratory, Department of Energy U.S., Critical Materials Institute, Ames, IA 50011-3020, USA
Denis Prodius: Ames Laboratory, Department of Energy U.S., Critical Materials Institute, Ames, IA 50011-3020, USA

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 2, 1-29

Abstract: Population growth has led to an increased demand for raw minerals and energy resources; however, their supply cannot easily be provided in the same proportions. Modern technologies contain materials that are becoming more finely intermixed because of the broadening palette of elements used, and this outcome creates certain limitations for recycling. The recovery and separation of individual elements, critical materials and valuable metals from complex systems requires complex energy-consuming solutions with many hazardous chemicals used. Significant pressure is brought to bear on the improvement of separation and recycling approaches by the need to balance sustainability, efficiency, and environmental impacts. Due to the increase in environmental consciousness in chemical research and industry, the challenge for a sustainable environment calls for clean procedures that avoid the use of harmful organic solvents. Ionic liquids, also known as molten salts and future solvents, are endowed with unique features that have already had a promising impact on cutting-edge science and technologies. This review aims to address the current challenges associated with the energy-efficient design, recovery, recycling, and separation of valuable metals employing ionic liquids.

Keywords: critical materials; ionic liquids; recycling; recovery from e-waste; extraction processes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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