Algae-Based Noble Metal Adsorption Agent for Selective Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recovering noble metals from waste fluids, such as those used in electric device manufacturing and plating processes, face challenges including poor selectivity, high environmental impact, and high costs due to the difficulty in separating specific noble metals from mixed solutions using adsorption agents like active charcoal and ion exchange methods.
Innovation Solution
Development of a noble metal adsorption agent utilizing algae or algae residues with functional groups like amino groups, processed with strong acids or carbonization, which allows for selective retrieval of noble metals like gold, palladium, and platinum from base metals by controlling hydrochloric acid concentrations and using multiple adsorption agents in sequential steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active charcoal or ion exchange method is used for noble metal recovery, then the recovery process can be implemented, but the selectivity with respect to noble metal is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the adsorption agent by introducing specific functional groups (amino groups, carboxyl groups, hydroxyl groups) and controlling the carbonization degree. By adjusting the pH value, temperature, and composition ratios during preparation, the adsorption agent achieves high selectivity for noble metals while maintaining effective recovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite adsorption agent combining organic matter (with specific functional groups) and carbonized material. This composite structure integrates the selective binding capability of functional groups with the adsorption capacity of carbonized components, resolving the contradiction between selectivity and recovery effectiveness.
2Productivity
If solvent extraction method is used for noble metal recovery, then the extraction can be performed, but the extraction solvent is soluble in water causing large environmental load and high processing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive and environmentally harmful extraction solvents with a reusable adsorption agent made from inexpensive organic matter and carbonized materials. The adsorption agent can be regenerated and reused multiple times, eliminating the need for continuous solvent replacement and reducing environmental load while maintaining extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the chemical extraction mechanism (solvent-based) with a physical-chemical adsorption mechanism. The adsorption agent uses surface functional groups and porous structure to capture noble metals directly from solution, replacing the need for water-soluble extraction solvents and their associated environmental problems.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple noble metals are mixed in the adsorption process, then the adsorption capacity is high, but it is difficult to separate and recover a specific noble metal from other noble metals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces different functional groups (amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl) at specific locations on the adsorption agent surface, each with different affinities for specific noble metals. By controlling the distribution and concentration of these functional groups, the adsorption agent can selectively bind specific noble metals even when multiple metals are present, enabling separation while maintaining overall adsorption capacity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient and selective recovery of specific noble metals from base metals and other noble metals, reducing environmental impact and processing costs while maintaining long-term stability of the adsorption agents.
Implementation Method 1
Gold, silver and platinum in solution are adsorbed on the adsorption agent
Implementation Method 2
processing algaee having an amino group as a functional group with strong acid. The strong acid has an acid level equal to or higher than a predetermined acid level
Implementation Method 3
a component, which is prepared by carbonizing algae or residue of algae having an amino group as a functional group
Implementation Method 4
adsorbing the element of gold on the noble metal adsorption agent... in a liquid, which includes an element of gold and has a hydrochloric acid concentration equal to or higher than 2 mol/L
Data Source
AI summary
A noble metal adsorption agent includes algae or residue of algae having an amino group as a functional group. A noble metal is retrieved by a method including: adsorbing the noble metal on the noble metal adsorption agent; and retrieving the noble metal. The noble metal is solved in a liquid. Thus, by using the noble metal adsorption agent, the noble metal is selectively retrieved.