E-waste recycled materials as efficient catalysts for renewable energy technologies and better environmental sustainability

Abstract

Waste from electrical and electronic equipment exponentially increased due to the innovation and the ever-increasing demand for electronic products in our life. The quantities of electronic waste (e-waste) produced are expected to reach 44.4 million metric tons over the next five years. Consequently, the global market for electronics recycling is expected to reach $65.8 billion by 2026. However, electronic waste management in developing countries is not appropriately handled, as only 17.4% has been collected and recycled. The inadequate electronic waste treatment causes significant environmental and health issues and a systematic depletion of natural resources in secondary material recycling and extracting valuable materials. Electronic waste contains numerous valuable materials that can be recovered and reused to create renewable energy technologies to overcome the shortage of raw materials and the adverse effects of using non-renewable energy resources. Several approaches were devoted to mitigate the impact of climate change. The cooperate social responsibilities supported integrating informal collection and recycling agencies into a well-structured management program. Moreover, the emission reductions resulting from recycling and proper management systems significantly impact climate change solutions. This emission reduction will create a channel in carbon market mechanisms by trading the CO2 emission reductions. This review provides an up-to-date overview and discussion of the different categories of electronic waste, the recycling methods, and the use of high recycled value-added (HAV) materials from various e-waste components in green renewable energy technologies.

Untapped potential of scrap brass alloy: a new frontier in the use of brass-based photocathodes for stable and durable photoelectrochemical water splitting

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Environmentally Benign Natural Hydrogel Electrolyte Enables a Wide Operating Potential Window for Energy Storage Devices

“…E-waste output worldwide is estimated to reach 53.6 million tons by 2020 and expected to rise to 74.7 million tons by 2030. 17 In this regard, the development of natural and green hydrogels is very imperative. The natural polymeric matrix is an excellent choice, where cost effectiveness, ecological sustainability, strong ionic conductivity, nonflammability, nontoxicity, and stability are priorities for a good electrolyte.…”

Consumers' reverse exchange behavior and e-waste recycling to promote sustainable post-consumption behavior

“…, 2023). Efficient recycling can also contribute to material scarcity issues, such as platinum and silver retrieved from recycled e-waste offering monetary benefits to business (Seif et al. , 2023).…”

“…However, proper e-waste management such as recycling can contribute to environmental protection by reducing carbon emissions (Xia et al, 2023). Efficient recycling can also contribute to material scarcity issues, such as platinum and silver retrieved from recycled e-waste offering monetary benefits to business (Seif et al, 2023).…”