Work

Extraction of Yttrium from Waste: Analysis of Hydrometallurgical Processing by Organic Acids and Life Cycle Assessment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The increasing demand for rare earth elements has driven the search for efficient and sustainable recovery methods. Obsolete fluorescent lamps represent a significant secondary source of Y that can greatly contribute to the circular economy and the preservation of natural resources. With the gradual depletion of primary Y reserves and the rise in e-waste generation, the development of eco-friendly and economically feasible recovery techniques has become crucial. Additionally, strict legislation regarding the disposal of e-waste strengthens the need to improve recycling processes. This study aims to investigate the leaching of Y from obsolete fluorescent lamps by organic (C 6 H 8 O 7, C 2 H 4 O 2, and C 2 H 5 NO 2 ) and inorganic acids (HNO 3 ). We also seek to assess the environmental impact of this process through life cycle assessment (LCA). Leaching steps were performed with different acid concentrations, followed by selective precipitation with C 2 H 2 O 4 for Y recovery. LCA was applied to evaluate the environmental impacts and identify critical points in the process. A high Y recovery rate (78.8% for C 2 H 5 NO 2, 86.7% for C 6 H 8 O 7, 100% for C 2 H 4 O 2, and 95% for HNO 3 ) was obtained with precipitation (C 2 H 5 NO 2 and C 6 H 8 O 7 liquor). Our environmental assessment revealed that leaching with organic acids presents a higher environmental impact due to production and disposal methods. The study demonstrated that it is possible to leach Y efficiently from fluorescent lamps using organic acids. The process may be a feasible alternative for large-scale Y recovery, improving organic acid production, and contributing to the sustainable recycling of e-waste and promoting the circular economy.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c09774

Authors: Luan Matheus da Silva Alvarenga, Mentore Vaccari, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa, Amilton Barbosa Botelho Junior

Institutions: Universidade de São Paulo, University of Brescia, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Extraction and Separation Processes

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,935