Application of siderophores in selective leaching of Technology Critical Elements (Gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge) and indium (In)) from end-of-life products
Develop ambitious and highly innovative technology for the recovery of technology critical elements from end-of-life products and realize the circular economy by converting waste to value.
Start: 01 February 2020
End: 14 June 2023
Supervisors :
Eric van Hullebusch, Marc Benedetti
Status: Defended
The development of novel high-tech applications for communication, renewable energy production and display purposes, are heavily dependent on raw materials, like gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge) and indium (In). Thus, the sustainable supply of the three elements is a major concern due to the high strategic value and supply risk, which is explained why Ga, Ge and In have been listed in the critical raw materials by EU commission. Recovery of In, Ga and Ge from end-of-life (EoL) products, like light crystal displays (LCDs), light emitting diodes (LEDs, photovoltaics (PVs) and fiber optics has been reported as a way to at least partially solve the problem of shortage of critical raw materials. However, there are no technologies available for recycling of these metals due to their low recover these metals.
Siderophores have been shown to bind selectively to Ga, Ge and In even if these elements are present in very low concentrations. Thus, the access of siderophores to the target metals in EoL is studied by pretreatment including crushing, heating and milling. After these pretreatments, the siderophore is selectively leaching the target metals based on optimal conditions. Finally, recover these technology critical elements by implementing “GaLIophore” technology.
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