Application of Ionic Liquids for the Recycling and Recovery of Technologically Critical and Valuable Metals
Date
2022-01-17
Authors
Inman, Grace
Nlebedim, Ikenna C.
Prodius, Denis
Major Professor
Advisor
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Iowa State University Digital Repository, Ames IA (United States)
Abstract
Population growth has led to an increased demand for raw minerals and energy resources;
however, their supply cannot easily be provided in the same proportions. Modern technologies
contain materials that are becoming more finely intermixed because of the broadening palette
of elements used, and this outcome creates certain limitations for recycling. The recovery and
separation of individual elements, critical materials and valuable metals from complex systems
requires complex energy-consuming solutions with many hazardous chemicals used. Significant
pressure is brought to bear on the improvement of separation and recycling approaches by the need
to balance sustainability, efficiency, and environmental impacts. Due to the increase in environmental
consciousness in chemical research and industry, the challenge for a sustainable environment calls for
clean procedures that avoid the use of harmful organic solvents. Ionic liquids, also known as molten
salts and future solvents, are endowed with unique features that have already had a promising
impact on cutting-edge science and technologies. This review aims to address the current challenges
associated with the energy-efficient design, recovery, recycling, and separation of valuable metals
employing ionic liquids.
Series Number
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Series
IS-J 10703
Academic or Administrative Unit
Type
article
Comments
This article is published as Inman, Grace, Ikenna C. Nlebedim, and Denis Prodius. "Application of ionic liquids for the recycling and recovery of technologically critical and valuable metals." Energies 15, no. 2 (2022): 628.
DOI: 10.3390/en15020628.
Copyright 2022 by the authors.
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).
DOE Contract Number(s): AC02-07CH11358.
Posted with permission.