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Solvometallurgy for the dissolution of critical metals
Stuewe, Rose L.
Stuewe, Rose L.
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2024
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2025-05-26
Abstract
As natural deposits of metals used in energy technologies become scarce, there is a call to research new sources of these materials. Recycling spent energy technologies, such as batteries, could be the key to this newfound problem. A number of recycling methods have been developed; however, they require the use of harsh chemicals, produce dangerous side products, are not selective, or are expensive. There are three main categories of metal recycling methods: pyrometallurgy, biometallurgy, and solvometallurgy. Solvometallurgy provides the most promising route for developing an efficient, cost effective, selective, and safe metal recycling method. Recent studies have focused on the recycling of gold from electronic waste. Applying the findings from gold recycling systems, a new solvometallurgy system was created to achieve dissolution of Co. The use of N,N-dimethylformamide as an organic solvent, thiourea as a ligand, and 30% hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant was able to reach Co dissolution percentages of 70-77% in 60-80℃. This is an improvement upon methods currently being used at an industrial scale that require high temperatures and produce low efficiencies. The mechanism of organic aqua regia was also investigated to give a better understanding of a well-known solvometallurgy technique for future use in metal recycling.
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