Ultra-fast and selective recycling of gold from electronic waste based on triiodide ionic liquids

Abstract

This study introduces a pioneering application of triiodide ionic liquids (ILs) for the efficient and sustainable recovery of gold (Au) from real-world, various types of electronic wastes. Our method significantly reduces both environmental impact and reagent expenses, while operating under mild conditions. This technique is ideal for practical applications given its ultra-fast leaching (5 min) and room temperature (35°C) reaction conditions, leading to an unprecedented 11-fold enhancement in the reaction kinetics relative to aqua regia. Notably, more than 99.3% of Au from e-waste can be selectively dissolved while excluding non-target elements like Cu. Compared with conventional dissolution-extraction processes, our method facilitates the process into a single step. Additionally, the triiodide ILs can be reused for up to six cycles, and have an impressive economic output–input ratio of 1969%, which demonstrates promising technoeconomic feasibility. This approach provides a valuable strategy for profit-efficient management of e-waste, promoting a circular economy.