Italian scientists from the University of Camerino have developed a cheap and highly efficient method for extracting silver from old solar panels. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Environmental Technology and Innovation (ETI).
The team used active persulfate base combined with ammonia to separate silver from copper in spent solar circuits.
To determine the correct amount of each material to use in the process, the researchers ran a variety of reactions using different variables, such as ammonia concentration, while keeping other variables, such as stirring speed and temperature, constant.
After a series of experiments, scientists found the right combination of factors: ammonia at a concentration of 0.5 moles per liter and potassium persulfate at a concentration of 0.2 moles per liter. The reaction took an hour, and 85% of the silver in the test sample was separated.
The team then performed electrodeposition-redox exchange to bring the percentage of silver recovered to 98.7%.
Earlier scientists forced Bacteria extract lithium and cobalt from old batteries and other electrical waste.
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Source: Gazeta
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