Copper ferrite obtaining from microelectronics waste

Abstract

Relevance. The need to develop new methods for metal waste disposal. This direction, with the participation of various intensifying influences, refers to resource-saving, technological, minimizing the volume of capital costs for raw materials, production and subsequent sale. Aim. To obtain copper ferrite from iron and copper waste of microelectronics. Copper ferrite is a useful and highly demanded product in this branch of domestic industry, especially now, when many sanctions have been imposed on our country, including in terms of microelectronics. To study its magnetic properties and draw a conclusion about the possibility of its application. Objects. Samples of iron and copper waste in the form of plates, wire and shavings. Methods. Volumetric analysis, electron microscopy, X-ray phase analysis, study of magnetic susceptibility. Results. The authors have produced finely dispersed iron (III) oxide from iron-containing microelectronics waste. This oxide is used in electrical engineering as part of high-voltage resistors for grounding the neutral of networks, lithium-ion batteries, as a carrier of analog and digital information. In the radio engineering industry it is used as part of low-voltage resistors, high-frequency chokes, small-sized pulse transformers. The authors produced finely dispersed copper (II) oxide from copper-containing waste. This oxide is used in production of phosphors and dry batteries – in batteries with liquid cells as a cathode, with lithium as an anode and dioxalane mixed with lithium perchlorate as an electrolyte. In addition, it finds application as a p-type semiconductor, since it has a narrow bandgap of 1.2 eV, and manufacturing photovoltaic cells in solar panels. Copper ferrite was synthesized from the obtained oxides by sintering. Rings made of such alloy serve as a core in transformers. The part increases the magnetic field strength by several thousand times, making the devices transmit more power than they could with a non-ferrite core. Ferrite ring cores are found not only in transformers, but also in other electronics (e.g. magnetic memory).