Optimization Studies on Recovery of Metals from Printed Circuit Board Waste

Abstract

The aim of the study was to recover copper and lead metal from waste printed circuit boards (PCBs). The electrowinning method is found to be an effective recycling process to recover copper and lead metal from printed circuit board wastes. In order to simplify the process with affordable equipment, a simple ammonical leaching operation method was adopted. The selected PCBs were incinerated into fine ash powder at 500°C for 1 hour in the pyrolysis reactor. Then, the fine ash powder was subjected to acid-leaching process to recover the metals with varying conditions like acid-base concentration, electrode combination, and leaching time. The relative electrolysis solution of 0.1 M lead nitrate for lead and 0.1 M copper sulphate for copper was used to extract metals from PCBs at room temperature. The amount of lead and copper extracted from the process was determined by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and results found were 73.29% and 82.17%, respectively. Further, the optimum conditions for the recovery of metals were determined by using RSM software. The results showed that the percentage of lead and copper recovery were 78.25% and 89.1% should be 4 hrs 10 A/dm2.

Catalytic dissolution of metals from printed circuit boards using a calcium chloride–based deep eutectic solvent

“…[8][9][10][11][12] Pyrometallurgy allows the processing of PCBs at high temperatures (>300 °C) and consequently produces hazardous gases due to the presence of mercury, brominated flame retardants, and (hydro)chlorofluorocarbons. [13][14][15][16] High-temperature processes are very energy intensive and are limited when treating low-grade raw materials economically. On the other hand, hydrometallurgy has shown better performance in recovering metals from PCBs as it allows much more flexibility during upscaling and better process control than the hightemperature processing routes.…”

Two phase leaching for metal recovery from waste printed circuit boards: Statistical optimization

“…Studies were conducted in order to obtain the optimum valves of various parameters for the recovery of metal ions from PCBs by Response surface methodology [31]. The influence of various parameters (shaking speed, size, contact time, pulp density and temperature) are studied for metal ions recovery.…”

“…Some acids display an improvement in recovery rate with increase in temperature, while some other acids exhibit a decreased recovery rate with increase in temperature [31].…”

Bioleaching: urban mining option to curb the menace of E-waste challenge

“…The process is considered to consume a high amount of energy [ 69 , 70 ] and requires high operational cost [ 71 ] with severe threat to the environment and human health. It also requires the additional expenses toward the post treatment and management of acidic wastewater generated in bulk amounts [ 72 , 73 ].…”