Recycle Research
Background: Depletion of Critical Elements
With the rapid development of technology, the demand of natural resources increases annually resulting in the depletion of mineral reserves. For example, precious metals such as gold (Au) and Cu (copper) will be in the risk of shortage based on the current extraction rate. Thus, the recycling of valuable elements is necessary to mitigate the depletion of resources. Nowadays, urban mining, a concept that the content of rare metals in Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) has exceeded the one in natural mineral, reveals the opportunities to reclaim raw materials from spent wastes instead of ores in terms of commercial benefits. Recycling becomes a critical process to increase resource sustainability and fulfill circular economy.
Objective: Purification & Refining of Materials
However, the complexity of elements used in products causes much difficulties on the whole recycling process. The development of recycling technologies such as Sorting and Dismantling are also big issues in industry. To close the circular loop of recycling, our main interests focus on the Purification and Refining of materials. We are devoted to the up-recycling of wastes by developing cutting-edge technologies and integrating the current processes. Students in recycle team will not only conduct academic research but also collaborate with industrial corporation to make things really happen.
Methodology: Pyrometallurgy & Hydrometallurgy
Conventionally, there are two categories of recycling approaches, one is Pyrometallurgy (physical method) and the other is Hydrometallurgy (electro- or chemical method). We combine both approaches regarding different target materials to recover valuable elements with high purity, high recovery rate, and low energy/reagent consumption.
The followings are current and previous research topics in our lab:
(1) CIGS solar cell recycling and upgrading (finished)
(2) Lithium- battery discharging and recycling (on going)
(3) WC-Co scrap electrochemical recycling (finished)
(4) Solution plasma purification technology (on going)
(5) Microwave pyrolysis and purification technology (on going)
(6)Rare earth element purification by rapid breakdown anodization technology.(on going)
We are looking for students with positive attitude, innovative idea, and even industrial experience to work together for a greener and better future. If you have any question about our works, please feel free to contact us directly.