Revolutionary Aerogel Extracts Gold Efficiently from E-Waste

Why in the news?

A Pune research team developed a hybrid aerogel that extracts up to 99% of gold from electronic waste, offering a sustainable solution for e-waste management.

Revolutionary Aerogel Extracts Gold Efficiently from E-Waste

Innovation in Gold Recovery:

  • A Pune-based research team developed a hybrid aerogel capable of extracting up to 99% of gold ions from electronic waste.
  • Aerogels are lightweight, porous materials known for their excellent adsorption properties and adjustable surface chemistry.

Efficient Extraction Process:

  • The aerogel was synthesized using iron nitrate salts and treated at room temperature for 2-5 minutes.
  • The material works through dual processes of adsorption and reduction to recover highly pure gold.
  • Under daylight, the aerogel extracted 1,689 mg of gold per gram of e-waste; efficiency increased to 2,349 mg per gram uder blue light.

About Aerogels:

  • One of the lightest solid materials, mostly composed of air.
  • Created by replacing liquid in a gel with air.
  • Highly porous, low density, and offer adjustable surface chemistry.
  • Known as “solid air” or “frozen smoke.”
  • Used in environmental cleanups, oil spills, and insulation.

Key Facts about Hybrid Aerogel:

  • Developed by researchers for gold extraction from e-waste.
  • Treated with iron nitrate salts at room temperature.
  • Extracts up to 99% of gold ions from e-waste.
  • Daylight: 1689mg/gram; Blue light: 2349mg/gram.
  • Dual adsorption and reduction processes ensure pure gold recovery.

What is Porosity?

  • Porosity measures the void or empty spaces in a material.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times