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.
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