Swiss researchers have developed an innovative method to recover gold from electronic waste, offering a sustainable approach to tackle the growing issue of e-waste. The technique uses a protein-based sponge to capture gold ions from solutions containing dissolved electronic components.
Current methods of gold extraction are costly and environmentally harmful, using harsh chemicals like cyanide or mercury. In contrast, the new method is cleaner and greener, utilizing agricultural waste as a byproduct of cheese-making.
The process involves heat treatment, which converts the absorbed gold into solid nuggets of 22-carat gold. With this scientific advance, industries can significantly boost the efficiency and sustainability of electronic recycling efforts.
Recycling more materials from discarded electronics can reduce reliance on environmentally destructive mining operations and support a circular economy that keeps resources in use for as long as possible. This development has long-term potential to transform how we handle e-waste, encouraging companies and consumers to reconsider their disposal habits.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/04/this-electronic-device-that-we-all-throw-away-contains-450-milligrams-of-22-carat-gold