In 2022, a record 62 million tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) was generated globally, an 82% increase since 2010. This amount is projected to grow by another 32% to 82 million tonnes by 2030. This vast quantity of discarded electronics represents a significant loss of valuable resources and contributes to environmental pollution. Currently, only a tiny fraction (1%) of the demand for rare earth elements is met through e-waste recycling.
To illustrate the sheer volume of e-waste produced in 2022, it would take 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks to transport it all. This number of trucks could form a continuous line around the Earth’s equator. This information comes from a report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
Key Highlights of Innovation
- 🧪 Innovation:
- Developed a method to extract gold from e-waste and use it as a catalyst to convert CO2 into organic materials.
- Provides sustainable use for the 50 million tons of e-waste discarded annually, of which only 20% is recycled.
- 🛠️ Process:
- Vinyl-linked covalent organic frameworks (VCOFs) synthesized to extract gold ions and nanoparticles from discarded circuit boards.
- Efficiency: Captures 99.9% of gold with minimal extraction of other metals like nickel and copper.
- 🌍 Environmental Impact:
- Converts CO2, a greenhouse gas, into useful chemicals.
- Reduces dependence on harsh chemicals (e.g., cyanide) traditionally used in gold recovery.
- Supports waste reduction and creates environmental benefits.
Significance
- 🏭 E-waste as a gold mine:
- 1 ton of e-waste contains 10x more gold than 1 ton of mined ore.
- Global e-waste expected to reach 80 million metric tons by 2030.
Sustainability Benefits
- ⚗️ Eliminates hazardous chemicals through chemical adsorption.
- 🌱 Provides practical and environmental gains, making it a win-win for the planet.
