New solution found for Gold extraction

In summary, a professor from the University of Saskatchewan claims to have invented a solution using acetic acid, an oxidant, and another acid that can quickly remove gold from electronic circuit boards while leaving other metals untouched. This method is more environmentally friendly than using cyanide or mercury. The professor did not mention the specific ingredients, but some experts suggest chlorinated hydrocarbons may be involved. However, these chemicals are not environmentally friendly. The professor clarified that the acid and oxidant are part of the original solution and not formed through a reaction.
  • #1
pyroartist
50
6
No mention of this here so far that I see so I would like to see what the experts know about this. A Univeristy of Saskatchewan professor claims he has invented a solution, "acetic acid combined with very small amounts of an oxidant and another acid", that can rapidly remove plated gold from electronic circuit boards and leave the other metals untouched. It is environmentally benign compared to cyanide or mecury.
My question is, is anyone willing to guess what the other two ingredients might be? And how does it work? It dissolves the thin plating in ten seconds! Quite an accomplishment.
Here is the link. http://words.usask.ca/news/2016/01/29/gold-diggers/
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
Chlorinated hydrocarbons. Wedding rings, other (Au) jewelry, catalyze acid formation from chloroform/methylene chloride, and, presumably other similar chemicals.
 
  • Like
Likes gracy
  • #3
That is interesting to know. Somehow I don't think he was saying the acid is formed due to a reaction. He said an acid (and an oxidizer) is part of the original
solution. Methylene chloride or chlorform is not evironmentally freindly.
 
  • #4
pyroartist said:
environmentally benign compared to cyanide or mecury.
 

1. How does the new solution work?

The new solution for gold extraction involves using a combination of green chemistry and bioengineering techniques. It uses non-toxic chemicals and enzymes to dissolve gold from electronic waste, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional extraction methods.

2. Is the new solution more efficient than current methods?

Yes, the new solution has been found to be more efficient than traditional methods of gold extraction. It has a higher yield, meaning more gold can be extracted from the same amount of electronic waste. It also requires less energy and resources, making it a more cost-effective option.

3. What are the potential environmental benefits of this new solution?

The new solution for gold extraction has several environmental benefits. It reduces the use of toxic chemicals such as cyanide, which are often used in traditional methods and can be harmful to the environment. It also decreases the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills, reducing pollution and promoting sustainability.

4. Has the new solution been tested and proven to work?

Yes, the new solution has been extensively tested and proven to be effective in extracting gold from electronic waste. It has undergone several laboratory and pilot-scale trials, and the results have been promising. The researchers are now working towards implementing this solution on a larger scale.

5. Will the new solution have any impact on the price of gold?

It is unlikely that the new solution will have a significant impact on the price of gold. The demand for gold remains high, and this new extraction method may actually increase the supply of gold, which could potentially stabilize the price. However, the long-term effects on the market are still uncertain and will depend on the success and adoption of this new solution.

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top