Box-Behnken Optimization and Theoretical Study for Copper Leaching from Scrap Laptop Computer Printed Circuit Board by Malonic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide

The hydrometallurgical method of copper leaching from scrap electronics is commonly undertaken using pulverized printed circuit boards. Though studies on the use organic acids like citric and oxalic for removal are well documented, those malonic acid rare. Herein, we report investigation efficiencies mixtures hydrogen peroxide unpulverized PCB by Box-Behnken design theoretical determination most stable copper-malonic complex. average content in each board was found to be (0.84 ± 0.13) mg/g following aqua-regia digestion atomic absorption spectrophotometry measurement. conditions at which highest efficiency 51.3% obtained were a concentration 0.5 M, 1.0 contact time 75 min. significant individual parameter that influenced leached with p-value 0.001. Theoretical calculations show prefers coordinate 2:1 acid: ratio. This study shows appreciable amounts can minimally processed board.