A Review on Recycling of End-of-Life Light-Emitting Diodes for Metal Recovery

The generation of end-of-life light-emitting diodes (LEDs) requires efforts to minimize waste and recycle critical raw elements (gallium, indium, rare earths). This review critically analyzes recycling processes such as physical, hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical treatments. An insight into gallium compounds (GaN, GaAs) their influence on strategies is provided. Pre-treatment plays a role in dissociating the rigid structure GaN. major gaps are identification, segregation, selective recovery, limited studies elemental flow toxic arsenic. It calculated that processing 1 ton LEDs equivalent 7.8 tons, 3.2 42 tons primary Ga ore, In Au ore metallurgical value, respectively. market value calculations revealed significant economic values Au, Ag, REEs. A flowsheet based literature for holistic recovery Ga, In, REEs proposed.