Innovator Spotlight

Idaho National Laboratory

Reclamation of Critical and Value Materials from Electronics using an Electrorecycling Process.

TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY

A novel electrochemistry-based process was developed to reclaim valuable base, precious and critical metals from waste electronic materials, while significantly minimizing chemical use and waste generation. The method uses an electrochemical cell to efficiently dissolve the bulk of metals from electronics leading to more complete recovery for recyclable materials.

Primary Application Area: Water, Waste, Environmental

Technology Development Status: Prototype

FIGURES OF MERIT

Value Proposition: Electronics are a concentrated source of metals, and recycling them can reduce the impact of mining and offset future increases in demand. ER is an opportunity to change an exported and wasteful resource to a valuable domestic commodity, with smart recycling methods, using U.S. labor and reducing the current environmental footprint associated with electronic waste. ER operating and capital costs are expected to be significantly lower than recovery from virgin ore via hydrometallurgical processes.

SHOWCASE SUMMARY

Organization Type: Academic/Gov Lab

Website: https://www.inl.gov

GOVT/EXTERNAL FUNDING SOURCES

Vetted Programs/Awards: The work funded by the Critical Materials Institute (CMI) has generated 5 papers (2 currently in print) and one patent application. The project is moving toward small scale demonstration to support commercialization.