Electrochemical Separations for Metal Recycling

Abstract

Recycling of waste is critical for sustainability. Modern industrialization has caused a rapid decline in natural resources, and a dramatic rise in hazardous pollutants released into the environment. A recent study reported that global resource usage rose from 23.7 billion tons in 1970 to 70.1 billion tons in 2010. Global consumption of metals has increased at a significant pace, placing severe environmental and economic pressure for recycling. Electrochemical processes are particularly well suited for metal recovery. Due to the ionic nature of the metals after leaching, both Faradaic and non-Faradaic electrochemical processes can play an important role in separating and purifying these elements. Here, an overview of electrochemical approaches for chemical recycling will be presented, with a focus on metal recovery from electronic waste, battery components, as well as methods for selective recycling specialty metals and rare earth elements. This article discusses emerging recycling methods for value-added compounds beyond metals, including organic compounds, which may point to new directions in chemical recycling. In sum, electrochemical separation processes are expected to play a significant role in waste recycling and contribute towards a sustainable circular economy.