The present invention developed an environmentally-benign approach to the preparation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-electroactive polymer nanocomposites and their applications in spontaneous and energy-free recovery of precious metals from waste streams. The reducing capability of electroactive monomers and polymers together with the high surface area and excellent electrical conductivity of graphene benefits the interfacial electrochemical interaction with metal ions and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of precious metals recovery from waste streams. The rGO-electroactive polymer nanocomposites were used to recover metals from electronic waste via hydrometallurgical method. Hydrometallurgical method is more exact more predictable more easily controlled and more economically viable for the recovery of metals from electronic waste. This processing technique usually consists of chemical leaching of solid electronic waste materials. The leaching solutions which contain various metal ions are subsequently treated by a series of operations such as cementation solvent extraction ion exchange or electrochemical precipitation to concentrate and recover the precious and heavy metals. Market Overview: Electronic waste (E-waste) is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. In year 2010 around 20-50 million tons of electronic products are discarded annually across the globe. From the material composition point of view electronic wastes contain up to 40 wt% of various heavy and precious metals such as copper (20-30 wt%) tin (0.3-0.5 wt%) lead (0.3-0.4 wt%) nickel (0.4-0.6 wt%) palladium (0.03-0.06 wt%) silver (0.5-1 wt%) and gold (0.05-0.1 wt%). The direct disposal of e-waste has addressed a series of problems including environmental pollution by hazardous materials and loss of important metal sources. Thus recycling of e-waste has been taken into consideration by both government and public sectors not only from the point of waste treatment but also from the aspect of recovery of valuable metals. Market projection for e-waste recycling is anticipated to reach $21 Billion in 2020 from $6.9 Billion in 2009. Applications: ·Waste recycling ·Electronic waste recovery Patents: Patent pending Opportunity: ·Licensing ·Partnership for further development
1) Environmental friendly synthesis approach 2) Simplicity in massive scale-up 3) Excellent recovery performance
Patent pending Opportunity: ·Licensing ·Partnership for further development