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Harvey JP, Courchesne W, Vo MD, Oishi K, Robelin C, Mahue U, Leclerc P, Al-Haiek A. Greener reactants, renewable energies and environmental impact mitigation strategies in pyrometallurgical processes: A review. MRS ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY : A REVIEW JOURNAL 2022; 9:212-247. [PMID: 36569468 PMCID: PMC9766879 DOI: 10.1557/s43581-022-00042-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Metals and alloys are among the most technologically important materials for our industrialized societies. They are the most common structural materials used in cars, airplanes and buildings, and constitute the technological core of most electronic devices. They allow the transportation of energy over great distances and are exploited in critical parts of renewable energy technologies. Even though primary metal production industries are mature and operate optimized pyrometallurgical processes, they extensively rely on cheap and abundant carbonaceous reactants (fossil fuels, coke), require high power heating units (which are also typically powered by fossil fuels) to calcine, roast, smelt and refine, and they generate many output streams with high residual energy content. Many unit operations also generate hazardous gaseous species on top of large CO2 emissions which require gas-scrubbing and capture strategies for the future. Therefore, there are still many opportunities to lower the environmental footprint of key pyrometallurgical operations. This paper explores the possibility to use greener reactants such as bio-fuels, bio-char, hydrogen and ammonia in different pyrometallurgical units. It also identifies all recycled streams that are available (such as steel and aluminum scraps, electronic waste and Li-ion batteries) as well as the technological challenges associated with their integration in primary metal processes. A complete discussion about the alternatives to carbon-based reduction is constructed around the use of hydrogen, metallo-reduction as well as inert anode electrometallurgy. The review work is completed with an overview of the different approaches to use renewable energies and valorize residual heat in pyrometallurgical units. Finally, strategies to mitigate environmental impacts of pyrometallurgical operations such as CO2 capture utilization and storage as well as gas scrubbing technologies are detailed. This original review paper brings together for the first time all potential strategies and efforts that could be deployed in the future to decrease the environmental footprint of the pyrometallurgical industry. It is primarily intended to favour collaborative work and establish synergies between academia, the pyrometallurgical industry, decision-makers and equipment providers. Graphical abstract Highlights A more sustainable production of metals using greener reactants, green electricity or carbon capture is possible and sometimes already underway. More investments and pressure are required to hasten change. Discussion Is there enough pressure on the aluminum and steel industries to meet the set climate targets?The greenhouse gas emissions of existing facilities can often be partly mitigated by retrofitting them with green technologies, should we close plants prematurely to build new plants using greener technologies?Since green or renewable resources presently have limited availability, in which sector should we use them to maximize their benefits?
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Harvey
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Centre for Research in Computational Thermochemistry (CRCT), Polytechnique Montréal, Station Downtown, Box 6079, Montreal, QC H3C 3A7 Canada
| | - William Courchesne
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Centre for Research in Computational Thermochemistry (CRCT), Polytechnique Montréal, Station Downtown, Box 6079, Montreal, QC H3C 3A7 Canada
| | - Minh Duc Vo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Centre for Research in Computational Thermochemistry (CRCT), Polytechnique Montréal, Station Downtown, Box 6079, Montreal, QC H3C 3A7 Canada
| | - Kentaro Oishi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Centre for Research in Computational Thermochemistry (CRCT), Polytechnique Montréal, Station Downtown, Box 6079, Montreal, QC H3C 3A7 Canada
| | - Christian Robelin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Centre for Research in Computational Thermochemistry (CRCT), Polytechnique Montréal, Station Downtown, Box 6079, Montreal, QC H3C 3A7 Canada
| | - Ugo Mahue
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Centre for Research in Computational Thermochemistry (CRCT), Polytechnique Montréal, Station Downtown, Box 6079, Montreal, QC H3C 3A7 Canada
| | - Philippe Leclerc
- R & D and engineering services, LAh Services G.P., Montreal, QC H4N 0A7 Canada
| | - Alexandre Al-Haiek
- R & D and engineering services, LAh Services G.P., Montreal, QC H4N 0A7 Canada
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Senophiyah-Mary J, Loganath R, Meenambal T. A novel method for the removal of epoxy coating from waste printed circuit board. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2018; 36:645-652. [PMID: 29925298 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x18782392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The printed circuit board, which is the heart of all electronic devices, is a rich source of metal, which could act as a future resource. Bioleaching, a biological treatment, would be an appropriate method for the environmentally sound management of e-waste. Various strippers are used to remove the epoxy coating and it is harmful to remove the epoxy coating with those solvents and salts in the open because of the presence of brominated flame retardants on the surface of the printed circuit board, which leads to serious health issues. An alternate process is required to remove the epoxy coating thereby enhancing the bioleaching process. Sonication is the process of applying sound energy to agitate particles in a solvent bath. The combined process of sonication and solvent stripping in a closed environment could decrease the time for stripping the epoxy coating. An attempt has been made to optimise the stripping agent for the removal of epoxy coating and from the experiment it was found that bath sonication could easily remove the epoxy coating from the waste printed circuit board with no emission of toxic gases. An optimum time of 5 min was enough for the stripping process prior to the soak time of 8 h at 5 N NaOH solution, while a longer time and high concentration of chemicals would be required to remove the epoxy coating with usual methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Senophiyah-Mary
- 1 Department of Environmental Engineering, Government College of Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Loganath
- 2 Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, West Bengal, India
| | - T Meenambal
- 3 Department of Civil Engineering, Madanapalli Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradhesh, India
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Joon V, Shahrawat R, Kapahi M. The Emerging Environmental and Public Health Problem of Electronic Waste in India. J Health Pollut 2017; 7:1-7. [PMID: 30524825 PMCID: PMC6236536 DOI: 10.5696/2156-9614-7.15.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monumental progress has been made in the area of information and communication technology, leading to a tremendous increase in use of electronic equipment, especially computers and mobile phones. The expansion of production and consumption of electronic equipment along with its shorter life span has led to the generation of tremendous amounts of electronic waste (e-waste). In addition, there is a high level of trans-boundary movement of these devices as second-hand electronic equipment from developed countries, in the name of bridging the digital gap. OBJECTIVES This paper reviews e-waste produced in India, its sources, composition, current management practices and their environmental and health implications. Fixing responsibility for waste disposal on producers, establishment of formal recycling facilities, and strict enforcement of legislation on e-waste are some of the options to address this rapidly growing problem. DISCUSSION The exponential growth in production and consumption of electronic equipment has resulted in a surge of e-waste generation. Many electronic items contain hazardous substances including lead, mercury and cadmium. Informal recycling or disposing of such items pose serious threat to human health and the environment. CONCLUSIONS Strict enforcement of waste disposal laws are needed along with the implementation of health assessment studies to mitigate inappropriate management of end-of-life electronic wastes in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veenu Joon
- Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Jor Bagh, New Delhi, India
| | - Renu Shahrawat
- National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Munirka, New Delhi, India
| | - Meena Kapahi
- Department of Chemistry, Manav Rachna University, Sector 43, Faridabad, India
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