Selective recovery of precious metals through photocatalysis

Yao Chen, Mengjiao Xu, Jieya Wen, Yu Wan, Qingfei Zhao, Xia Cao, Yong Ding, Zhong Lin Wang (), Hexing Li () and Zhenfeng Bian ()
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Yao Chen: Shanghai Normal University
Mengjiao Xu: Shanghai Normal University
Jieya Wen: Shanghai Normal University
Yu Wan: Shanghai Normal University
Qingfei Zhao: Shanghai Normal University
Xia Cao: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yong Ding: Georgia Institute of Technology
Zhong Lin Wang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Hexing Li: Shanghai Normal University
Zhenfeng Bian: Shanghai Normal University

Nature Sustainability, 2021, vol. 4, issue 7, 618-626

Abstract: Abstract Precious metals such as gold and platinum are valued materials for a variety of important applications, but their scarcity poses a risk of supply disruption. Recycling precious metals from waste provides a promising solution; however, conventional metallurgical methods bear high environmental costs and energy consumption. Here, we report a photocatalytic process that enables one to selectively retrieve seven precious metals—silver (Ag), gold (Au), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru) and iridium (Ir)—from waste circuit boards, ternary automotive catalysts and ores. The whole process does not involve strong acids or bases or toxic cyanide, but needs only light and photocatalysts such as titanium dioxide (TiO2). More than 99% of the targeted elements in the waste sources can be dissolved and the precious metals recovered after a simple reducing reaction that shows a high purity (≥98%). By demonstrating success at the kilogram scale and showing that the catalysts can be reused more than 100 times, we suggest that this approach might be industry compatible. This research opens up a new path in the development of sustainable technologies for recycling the Earth’s resources and contributing to a circular economy.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41893-021-00697-4

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