Innovative e-waste recycling processes for greener and more efficient recoveries of critical metals and energy

End-of-life electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste) is an alternative source of critical metals and energy, with the potential to significantly supplement the primary sources that are becoming scarcer. Currently, high-temperature processing of e-waste is the main method in Europe for the critical metals recovery. To attain a higher recycling efficiency with less impact on the environment, the prevailing high-temperature recycling processes need to be improved. Therefore, the aim of this research is to develop innovative solutions for higher recycling efficiencies while avoiding emissions in the high-temperature processes. To achieve these goals, experiments and modeling focused on improving the high-temperature processes will be conducted. This research is bold and a step forward in this research direction, and the new thermochemical data to be developed will also have impact on the next-generation materials processing technologies and enable the move towards a circular economy.

This project is funded by Svenska kulturfonden/The Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland (1.4.2022 - 31.3.2023), K.H. Renlund Foundation/K. H. Renlunds stiftelse (1.1.2023 - 31.12.2023), Åbo Akademi University, and Metso Outotec Metals Oy.