British scientists from the University of Leicester have proposed a new method to extract metal from asteroids using powerful solvents. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Scientific Reports.
The team studied two silicates and one iron meteorite containing natural alloys, sulfides, oxides and nickel. Experts subjected the samples to chemical micropoisoning using a solvent consisting of choline chloride and ethylene glycol.
The scientists determined the depth and speed of dissolution by analyzing the three-dimensional topography of the samples before and after etching. Chondrite meteorites are characterized by a variety of mineralogical compositions, with the most prominent minerals being olivine, pyroxene, plagioclase and kamacite.
Analytical studies of the original samples confirmed the chemical bonding of nickel with iron-rich metal phases. Scientists have also identified other metals of interest for space technology, including the rare earth elements ruthenium and rhodium.
Exploiting asteroids as mineral and metal resources is an important step in space exploration, and further research is needed for sustainable economic activity. Although the proposed technology is at an early stage, its authors consider it promising for the extraction of metals.
Previously geochemists offered Remove metals from waste using microbes.