Integrated Characterization and Adsorption-based Recovery of Precious and Base Metals from Computer and Mobile Printed Circuit Boards
| International Journal of Mechanical Engineering |
| © 2026 by SSRG - IJME Journal |
| Volume 13 Issue 3 |
| Year of Publication : 2026 |
| Authors : Atul Manohar Raghatate, Nitin Wasudeorao Ingole |
10.14445/23488360/IJME-V13I3P109
How to Cite?
Atul Manohar Raghatate, Nitin Wasudeorao Ingole, "Integrated Characterization and Adsorption-based Recovery of Precious and Base Metals from Computer and Mobile Printed Circuit Boards," SSRG International Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 102-117, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488360/IJME-V13I3P109
Abstract:
This paper examines a holistic and methodical solution to the re-use of the precious and base metals in computer and mobile Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), which is a significant portion of electronic waste. Physical characterization showed both density variations and particle size distributions as well as metal concentration differences between the two PCB streams, which proved that processing different sources required different strategies. The particle size modelling established the 1.18-2.36 mm size as the most effective size of particle to liberate metal without producing many fines. Metal recovery was by doing acid leaching followed by batch adsorption on Activated Carbon Biochar (ACB) and Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNP). Optimization of the parameter showed a high level of pH selectivity with gold, which favours acidic pH, and silver and copper, which exhibit greater adsorption in neutral and slightly alkaline pH. MNP was always better than ACB with better adsorption capacities, faster equilibrium, and the benefits of operations through magnetic separation. Monolayer-dominated adsorbent unbiased equilibrium and kinetic tests validated metal-particular mechanistic routes of action. The findings indicate the technical viability, economic potential, and environmental applicability of the suggested methodology, where the processing of specific adsorbents and hi-tech adsorbents is important to the recycling of e-waste in a sustainable manner.
Keywords:
Electronic waste recycling, Printed Circuit Boards, Precious metal recovery, Magnetic Nanoparticles, Adsorption Isotherms, Sustainable resource recovery.
References:
[1] Tawasul Mohammed Ali Babeker, and Quanyuan Chen, “Heavy Metal Removal from Wastewater by Adsorption with Hydrochar Derived from Biomass: Current Applications and Research Trends,” Current Pollution Reports, vol. 7, pp. 54-71, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[2] Nkositetile Raphael Biata, “Design of Layered Double Hydroxide Nanocomposite for Extraction and Recovery of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs),” Doctoral Thesis, University of Johannesburg, pp. 1-136, 2021.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[3] Amilton Barbosa Botelho Junior, David B. Dreisinger, and Denise C. R. Espinosa, “A Review of Nickel, Copper, and Cobalt Recovery by Chelating Ion Exchange Resins from Mining Processes and Mining Tailings,” Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, vol. 36, pp. 199-213, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[4] Pamela Cinfrignini et al., “Separation of Gold from Other Noble Metals Using Acrylic-Acid-Based Cryogels,” ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, vol. 13, no. 33, pp. 13227-13239, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[5] Lídia Maria Cunha et al., “Selective Recovery of Gold and Silver from Waste Printed Circuit Boards via Thiourea-based Hydrometallurgy and Bio-assisted Processing,” SSRN, pp. 1-29, 2026.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[6] Rui Ding, Jitao Lu, and Xiaomei Zhang, “Phthalocyanine and Amine Cofunctionalized Porous Organic Polymer for Selective Gold Recycling from Electronic Waste,” ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, vol. 13, no. 31, pp. 12625-12633, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[7] Aliakbar Ebrahimi et al., “Molecular Separation by Using Active and Passive Microfluidic Chip Designs: A Comprehensive Review,” Advanced Materials Interfaces, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 1-45, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[8] David J. Fisher, Recycling of Rare Earths, Materials Research Forum LLC, pp. 1-130, 2022.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[9] Yushu Han, “Accelerating Porosity Assessment in Solid Materials via Semi-Automated Platforms,” PhD Thesis, University of Liverpool, pp. 1-254, 2025.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[10] Amit Kumar, “Characterization of Non-metal Fraction of Waste Printed Circuit Boards to Promote Recycling, PhD Thesis, University of British Columbia, pp. 1-325, 2020.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[11] Shaoguang Li et al., “Electrochemical Biosensors for Whole Blood Analysis: Recent Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives,” Chemical Reviews, vol. 123, no. 12, pp. 7953-8039, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[12] Annu et al., “Biopolymeric Nanocomposites for Wastewater Remediation: An Overview on Recent Progress and Challenges,” Polymers, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 1-34, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[13] Arun Murali, “Development of Novel Technologies in Separation, Purification, and Recovery Processes Involving Mass Transfer and Electrochemical Kinetics for Environmental Remediation Applications, PhD Thesis, The University of Utah, pp. 1-24, 2021.
[Google Scholar]
[14] João Pinto et al., “Algal Sorbents and Prospects for their Application in the Sustainable Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from E-Waste,” Environmental Science and Pollution Research, vol. 30, pp. 74521-74543, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[15] Victoria Shields, “Target Recovery of Precious Metals from Waste and the Application of Ion Exchange in the Leaching Process, PhD Thesis, University of Sheffield, pp. 1-223, 2023.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[16] Duy Tho Tran et al., “Development of an Integrated Bio-based Cyanide Production System for Recovery of Au from Waste Printed Circuit Boards,” Separation and Purification Technology, vol. 363, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[17] Tingting Wu et al., “Selective and Sensitive Adsorption of Au (III) by Poly-N-phenylglycine,” Separation and Purification Technology, vol. 287, pp. 1-37, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[18] Chao Zhang et al., “Rational Design and Fabrication of MEMS Gas Sensors with Long‐Term Stability: A Comprehensive Review, Advanced Science, vol. 12, no. 39, pp. 1-42, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[19] Maufiro Aynur, “Biocompatible Materials for Separation of Precious and Critical Metals,” Doctor Thesis, Kyushu University, pp. 1-93, 2024.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]