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Swiss innovation enables gold extraction from old household appliances, promoting sustainable economy and reducing electronic waste
Na Switzerland, researchers from the renowned ETH Zurich are at the forefront of innovation by developing a revolutionary and environmentally friendly method for extracting gold of discarded electronic devices, such as old home appliances and computer motherboards.
This approach not only promotes the sustainable economy, but also offers a viable solution to the growing problem of electronic waste accumulation, which is one of the great environmental challenges of the 21st century.
Food waste turned into gold sponges
The method developed by Swiss scientists is notable for its creativity and sustainability. Using byproducts from the food industry, such as cheese production waste, the researchers created protein fibril sponges.
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This innovative material is capable of attracting and recovering precious metals efficiently, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals that are commonly used in traditional mining and recycling processes.
Detailed gold extraction process
The extraction of gold begins with the denaturation of whey proteins, which occurs under specific conditions of acidity and high temperature.
This results in the formation of a suspension of protein nanofibrils, which is then dried and formed into a sponge.
The metal parts of electronic devices, such as computer motherboards, are dissolved and ionized. When the sponge is immersed in this solution, the ions gold are efficiently attracted and captured by the protein matrix.
This process is not only efficient but also highly scalable, meaning it can be adapted to different types of electronic devices, ranging from small gadgets to large home appliances.
This flexibility is crucial, as e-waste is incredibly diverse in terms of device composition and size.
Impressive results: gold and economy in action
The results obtained by the researchers are impressive. The team managed to extract a nugget of 22 carat gold, weighing 450 mg, using only 20 motherboards of old computers.
This nugget, composed of 91% gold and 9% copper, was valued at about US$ 33 (about R$192). Although the financial value may seem modest at first glance, the real impact lies in the economic and environmental viability of the process.
By turning e-waste into a valuable resource, this technique demonstrates how recycling can be not only sustainable, but also profitable.
Transforming electronic waste into a valuable resource
The Swiss initiative highlights the Switzerland as a leader in sustainable technological solutions, showing that it is possible to transform electronic waste into a valuable resource, benefiting both saving as the environment.
This innovative method could inspire other nations to adopt similar practices, significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with improper disposal of electronics.
Furthermore, the extraction of gold and other precious metals from electronic devices can reduce reliance on traditional mining, which often involves environmentally harmful practices and unfair working conditions.
By promoting the recycling and reuse of materials, this technology can help preserve natural ecosystems and promote more responsible consumption practices.
Global impact and promising future
The development of this method in Switzerland not only represents a significant technological advancement, but also offers a glimpse into a future where circular economy becomes a tangible reality.
By turning waste into resources, the Swiss approach can contribute to reducing global e-waste, which is growing at an alarming rate every year.
Furthermore, by encouraging large-scale electronics recycling, this method can help create new employment and innovation opportunities in the sustainable technology sector.
This advance could be the first step towards a more conscious production and consumption model, where waste is minimized and resources are maximized.
The expectation is that other universities and companies around the world will adopt and adapt this technology, promoting a lasting positive impact on society and the global environment.
SOURCE: NDMAIS
