Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qiwen Xia, Hui Zhang, Kejia Liu, Jian Li, Xuxia Zhang, Yangyang Xie, Tao Qi
Summary: A clean approach was proposed to recycle copper from waste printed circuit boards using leaching, purification, and electrolysis. Ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) was used as the leaching agent, and the leaching process followed the mixed control model with an apparent activation energy of 47.56 kJ/mol. The purified solution was used for electrolysis to produce high purity copper at the cathode and regenerate CAN.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Silvia C. Pinho, Cristiana Ribeiro, Conceicao A. Ferraz, Manuel F. Almeida
Summary: This study investigated the leaching of copper, zinc, and nickel from PCB components using ammonia-ammonium sulphate solutions. Factors such as stirring rate, L/S ratio, ammonia and ammonium sulphate amounts, and type of oxidant were studied, with hydrogen peroxide and oxygen being the most efficient oxidants. Excess ammonia and oxidant were needed for high metal recoveries, with nickel having lower recovery due to less stable ammonia complexes.
JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qian Liang, Jiqin Wang, Shuyuan Chen, Shaoqin Chen, Ling Hu, Jinchuan Qin, Yunhui Han, Xiangfei Zeng, Xiaogang Li, Qingbin Guo, Mengjun Chen, Jiancheng Shu
Summary: The feasibility of recycling electrolyte for metal recovery from waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) has been studied. The experimental results show that the copper recovery rate and purity are not affected by the reuse of electrolyte, providing a green and cost-effective process for resources recycling.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinfeng Huang, Yi Deng, Yunhui Han, Jiancheng Shu, Rong Wang, Sheng Huang, Oladele A. Ogunseitan, Keli Yu, Min Shang, Yi Liu, Shuyuan Li, Yubin Han, Zhiqiang Cheng, Mengjun Chen
Summary: Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) pose challenges for sustainable resource recovery and environmental protection due to the presence of valuable material resources and hazardous substances. This study collected and analyzed 50 electronic components (ECs) from WPCBs, finding that copper and iron were the most abundant constituents, followed by silver, gold, palladium, and platinum. The study also identified new toxic threats from arsenic and selenium leaching from some of the ECs, indicating the need for regulation to reduce the toxic footprint of electronic products.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Huichao Chu, Can Qian, Bingyang Tian, Shiyue Qi, Jia Wang, Baoping Xin
Summary: The pyrometallurgy coupling indirect bioleaching strategy effectively extracts copper and nickel from waste printed circuit boards, with calcination pretreatment significantly improving copper release while inhibiting nickel release. Treated waste PCBs can be safely reused as non-hazardous materials, reducing environmental risks associated with them.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jie Zhang, Xuemei Zhang, Ruiqi Wang, Kaixin Wen, Hui Xu, Zhaobao Xiang, Xing Zhou
Summary: Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) are valuable components in electronic equipment, containing metals that can be recovered for resource reuse. This study proposes a sustainable approach to leach copper (Cu) from WPCBs using small peptides enhanced by ultrasound. Various leaching parameters significantly affect the Cu leaching efficiency. The Cu leaching with small peptides enhanced by ultrasound shows higher efficiency compared to without ultrasound treatment. The results provide insights into the preparation of copper-chelating small peptides (CCPs) and the potential industrial application of modified leaching residues.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Akshat Sudheshwar, Nadia Malinverno, Roland Hischier, Bernd Nowack, Claudia Som
Summary: This study compares conventional printed circuit boards with paper-based printed electronics and assesses the importance of e-waste recycling for the sustainability of the latter. The results show that printed electronics have a sustainability advantage through the recycling of silver. Therefore, design-for-recycling and e-waste recycling are crucial for the sustainability of current printed electronics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingming Song, Qinyi Xia, Xuehong Yuan, Zhenming Xu
Summary: Metal recycling from waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) is crucial for resource sustainability. Electrolysis is promising in simplifying processes, improving recycling efficiency, and reducing consumption, while full knowledge on multi metal fate and response mechanism is indispensable for processing complex metals from WPCBs. This study investigated multi metal responses in sulfate-and chloride-system electrolysis and achieved direct copper recovery from WPCBs.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Silvia C. Pinho, Conceicao A. Ferraz, Manuel F. Almeida
Summary: This study evaluates and tests the copper ammoniacal leaching and electrowinning process in WPCBs. The results show that ammonia-ammonium solutions can selectively dissolve copper, zinc, and nickel in WPCBs, and the pregnant solutions can be used directly for electrowinning with high purity copper products. Shredding WPCBs is crucial for achieving high recovery rates.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ramdayal Panda, Kamal Kishore Pant, Thallada Bhaskar, Satya Narayan Naik
Summary: This study developed an environmentally friendly method for separating BER and recovering CuO from waste PCBs. By using DMF and NH4Cl, BER was successfully separated and copper was recovered.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juanjuan Hao, Xiaolu Wang, Yishu Wang, Fu Guo, Yufeng Wu
Summary: The recovery of copper from waste printed circuit boards is crucial for protecting natural resources and the environment. Pulse current electrodeposition is a promising method for improving the current efficiency and metal recovery capability compared to direct current electrodeposition. In this study, the current efficiency of pulse current electrodeposition was found to be 95.1%, higher than the 90.9% achieved by direct current electrodeposition.
JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ruijun Qiu, Mi Lin, Baojia Qin, Zhenming Xu, Jujun Ruan
Summary: The review focuses on the recent developments in recycling techniques for nonmetallic components in waste printed circuit boards, highlighting the importance of clean production, recycling efficiency, and economic value. The key to future development lies in removing harmful elements, enhancing environmental friendliness and value, and realizing valued-added preparation of materials through combined processes. The results are expected to guide future recycling processes and provide references for industrial development.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kang Liu, Mengmeng Wang, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Lili Liu, Quanyin Tan, Jinhui Li
Summary: In this study, a mechanochemical approach using ferric chloride as a solid-phase reagent was proposed for copper recovery from waste printed circuit boards (PCBs). Results showed that mechanical force can oxidize Cu-0 in waste PCBs and form a meta-stable cuprous chloride complexed with chloride ions, which can be leached in an acidic liquid-phase system. The study also revealed that Cu-0, metallic impurities, metal oxides, and carbon materials can reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+, achieving high recovery efficiency.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Huan Li, Elsayed Oraby, Jacques Eksteen
Summary: A novel approach for extracting copper from waste printed circuit boards using glycine solutions was reported, with the investigation of three recovery options: hydrazine reduction, sulphide precipitation, and solvent extraction. Each method showed different levels of copper recovery and effectiveness in metal extraction.
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. Anwer, A. Panghal, I Majid, S. Mallick
Summary: The study aims to develop eco-friendly methods for recovering metals from WPCBs through a systematic procedure for separating components and extracting metals, which was successfully demonstrated.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. Amato, A. Becci, I. Birloaga, I. De Michelis, F. Ferella, V. Innocenzi, N. M. Ippolito, C. Pillar Jimenez Gomez, F. Veglio, F. Beolchini
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francesca Pagnanelli, Emanuela Moscardini, Pietro Altimari, Flavia C. S. M. Padoan, Thomas Abo Atia, Francesca Beolchini, Alessia Amato, Luigi Toro
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2019)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alessia Amato, Alessandro Becci, Francesca Beolchini
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alessandro Becci, Alessia Amato, Viviana Fonti, Dafina Karaj, Francesca Beolchini
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alessia Amato, Gabriele Pietro Bigi, Cristina Baldini, Francesca Beolchini
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2020)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alessia Amato, Marianna Mastrovito, Alessandro Becci, Francesca Beolchini
Summary: This study conducted a life cycle assessment based on literature data to evaluate the environmental sustainability of five processes for producing bio-based products from agricultural residues. The analysis identified high energy demand and the use of high impact organic solvents as significant issues. The results suggest the need to reduce electricity demand and identify ecological agents to support the implementation of European policies.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alessandro Becci, Francesca Beolchini, Alessia Amato
Summary: The growing production of green technologies is increasing the demand for rare earth elements, with end-of-life permanent magnets considered as a potential secondary resource. A life cycle assessment was used to identify the most sustainable choice and suggest improvements to reduce environmental impact. The study aims to promote sustainable processes for end-of-life permanent magnet exploitation at an industrial scale.
Review
Environmental Sciences
F. Beolchini, M. Hekeu, A. Amato, A. Becci, A. B. Ribeiro, E. P. Mateus, A. Dell'Anno
Summary: Sediment contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is a major environmental concern worldwide, with remediation strategies mainly based on physico-chemical and biological approaches. Physico-chemical methods are efficient but costly, while biotechnological methods are more environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and time-consuming.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alessia Amato
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alessia Amato, Lorenzo Magi Galluzzi, Francesca Beolchini
Summary: Bad choices in municipal waste management can have negative effects on sustainability, and achieving a complete zero-waste scenario is currently not realistic. Mechanical biological treatment (MBT) has been proven effective when the waste collection system is ineffective. This study examines a facility with a high-performance waste collection system and finds that the benefits of stabilization are relatively low.
JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jose J. Benitez, Maria C. Ramirez-Pozo, Maria M. Duran-Barrantes, Antonio Heredia, Giacomo Tedeschi, Luca Ceseracciu, Susana Guzman-Puyol, David Marrero-Lopez, Alessandro Becci, Alessia Amato, Jose A. Heredia-Guerrero
Summary: Bio-based lacquers prepared from tomato processing residue were investigated as sustainable alternatives to BPA-based coatings for metal food packaging. The fabrication process involved spray-coating a paste of tomato pomace with ethanol:H2O mixture on metal substrates, followed by self melt-polycondensation. The coatings showed strong dependence on the metal substrate used, with the best results found for aluminum.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alessia Amato, Konstantina Tsigkou, Alessandro Becci, Francesca Beolchini, Nicolo M. Ippolito, Francesco Ferella
Summary: Considering the hindered gas supply from Russia, it is necessary to find alternative routes to guarantee the Italian gas stocks at a reasonable cost. This paper provides a quantitative tool to support the European green transition and reports the LCA of three different options for the production and supply of natural gas/methane in Italy. The application of LCA allowed for the quantification of the environmental benefit provided by the first option.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Francesca Pagnanelli, Pier Giorgio Schiavi, Pietro Altimari, Francesca Beolchini, Alessia Amato, Jacopo Coletta, Flavia Forte, Emanuela Moscardini, Luigi Toro
Summary: The LIBAT process, an innovative cryo-mechano-hydrometallurgical method, was successfully used to treat EOL lithium primary batteries with chemistry Li(0)-MnO2. This process enabled the recycling of steel scraps from external cases through cryomechanical dismantling, and the recovery of Mn and Li products through hydrometallurgical processing. The environmental impacts of the process were compared with an innovative pyrometallurgical approach, and the proposed process demonstrated reduced energy consumption. Process simulations were performed to assess the economic sustainability of different mixture feeds and process options.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Valentina Innocenzi, Federica Cantarini, Alessia Amato, Barbara Morico, Nicolo Maria Ippolito, Francesca Beolchini, Marina Prisciandaro, Francesco Veglio
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yui Kawasaki, Sayaka Nagao-Sato, Misa Shimpo, Kahori Fujisaki, Emi Yoshii, Rie Akamatsu, Petra Warschburger
Summary: This study qualitatively describes sustainable dietary behaviors (SDBs) that Japanese and German adults can implement in their lives, and quantitatively compares the similarities and differences in understanding SDBs between the two samples. The study found that Japanese participants were more focused on food waste prevention, while German participants were more focused on solving environmental problems.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kechun Chen, Yuan Ding, Liming Yang, Zhihao Wang, Haoxuan Yu, Difan Fang, Yufa Feng, Liying Hu, Chenxi Xu, Penghui Shao, Xubiao Luo, Liang Chen
Summary: This study proposes a targeted repair scheme for the recovery of graphite anodes from spent LIBs by systematically characterizing and analyzing the structure and composition of spent graphite (SG). The results show that the repair scheme achieves effective SG repair and the repaired graphite anode displays excellent lithium storage performance.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Takao Ueda, Shigeki Koyanaka, Tatsuya Oki
Summary: Fires caused by accidental crushing of batteries are a serious issue in the e-waste recycling process. A new in-line sorting system that uses X-ray scanning and deep learning has been developed to accurately detect batteries. Through a validation study, the system achieved higher accuracy compared to other existing programs.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannes Geist, Frank Balle
Summary: Research on circular economy often lacks empirical data, especially in the theory of circular process design and design for remanufacturing. This study systematically collected and analyzed engineering data on seven remanufacturing processes in the European automotive remanufacturing industry for the first time, providing empirical support for circular engineering challenges, potentials, and solutions.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Li, Fan Lue, Nanlin Liao, Hua Zhang, Na Yang, Pinjing He
Summary: This study assesses and predicts the greenhouse gas emissions on the timeline as waste treatment technologies develop in Shanghai from 1991 to 2025 using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The findings demonstrate that GHG emission has reached net-zero in 2019 owing to the application of alternative technologies and waste segregation.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingchun Liu, Haoyang Wang, Xiaoqin Liang, Yibo Wang, Zijie Feng
Summary: The expansion of the photovoltaic market has resulted in a significant increase in PV waste. Therefore, conducting scientific research to determine the importance of the circular economy for sustainable growth in the PV industry is essential. The study demonstrates that accurate prediction of PV installed capacity and quantifying the importance of recycling in balancing the supply and demand of raw materials can be achieved through a multi-factor installed capacity prediction model and recovery potential prediction.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Chuanzhen Zhang, Baojing Gu, Xia Liang, Shu Kee Lam, Yi Zhou, Deli Chen
Summary: Reactive nitrogen is crucial for agriculture and human nutrition, but mismanagement can have detrimental effects on human health and ecosystem services, hindering the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Progress towards nitrogen-related targets varies across countries, highlighting the need for integrated management to achieve overall synergies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alessandro Gatto, Marijke Kuiper, Corina van Middelaar, Hans van Meijl
Summary: This study examines the economic and environmental effects of transitioning towards more circular food systems in the European Union (EU27) by feeding animals with low-opportunity-cost feed and better utilizing local feed resources. The results show that providing subsidies for circularity and promoting the use of low-cost feed can increase animal production, but also have negative impacts on land use and emissions. On the other hand, promoting domestic feed sourcing through import tariffs can decrease animal production and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. However, complementary policies are needed to mitigate drawbacks and enhance benefits of a more circular agri-food system.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinbo Zhang, Liu Chen, Yulei Xie, Pingjian Yang, Zheng Li, Huaicheng Guo, Yang Zhang, Lirong Liu
Summary: This study examines the impact of carbon taxes on low-carbon development and climate change mitigation. By constructing a cross-system bi-layer model, the study finds that reasonable carbon taxes can promote the stability of the energy network, reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants, and optimize production efficiency and the structure of the energy system. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects and implementation pathways of carbon taxes.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Konstantin Born, Mehmet Metehan Ciftci
Summary: Increasing recycling of metals is important for reducing reliance on mining, but it cannot fully meet future metal demand. Primary production of metals is expected to continue rising, highlighting the need for alternative circular economy strategies such as demand reduction and mitigating harmful impacts of primary metal production.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yinqiu Ma, Lin Huang, Jiahui Li, Wei Cao, Yumei Cai
Summary: Afforestation and reforestation, such as China's Grain for Green Program, have shown to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to carbon sink capacity. This study highlights the significant carbon potential of the program and its potential application in other countries to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arlind Dervishaj, Kjartan Gudmundsson
Summary: This paper reviews digital tools for supporting the Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment and provides suggestions. The study identifies limitations in the functionalities of current tools, including a lack of representative data for LCA and underdeveloped circularity indicators. Further development is needed in terms of interoperability aspects, integration of more sources of data for LCA and circularity, and possibilities for a comprehensive evaluation of design choices.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohamadreza Y. Azarfam, Anuj Maheshwari, Frank D. Blum, Siddhesh Chaudhari, Clinton Switzer, Ranji Vaidyanathan, Jay C. Hanan, Sudheer Bandla
Summary: This study introduces a feasible method for manufacturing recycled composites using post-consumer carpets and recycled resin. The resulting composites have impressive strength and modulus, surpassing commercial thermoplastics and making them suitable for structural applications. This research presents a promising approach to address carpet landfilling and reduce reliance on additives.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pujiang Shi, Tianle Huang, Hong Kit Lim, Chiew Kei Tan, Jong-Min Lee, Chor Yong Tay
Summary: This study developed a highly porous bioadaptive 3D sponge-like construct from plastic materials in discarded keyboards for advanced in vitro applications. The findings demonstrate the potential of using discarded keyboards as a waste-to-resource feedstock to achieve waste reduction and maximize value-capture.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kuo-Jui Wu, Hailing Qiu, Caiyan Huang, Anthony S. F. Chiu, Ming-Lang Tseng
Summary: Government resource allocation practices for achieving carbon neutrality should be guided by dynamic system theory to identify potential dynamics. Carbon intensity control dynamics have a significant influence on other dynamics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)