Leaching Foams for Copper and Silver Dissolution: A Proof of Concept of a More Environmentally Friendly Process for the Recovery of Critical Metals

The recovery of metals from the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is a major challenge to preserve natural resources. Hydrometallurgy, where are leached, promising method but generates large amounts polluting effluents. In this study we design aqueous leaching foams, composed 90% v/v gas 10% HCl solution oxidize dissolve copper. We take advantage oxidizing power dioxygen (O2) present in air bubbles whose fast transfer through foams enables an efficient oxidation then extend concept another gas, ozone, silver (Ag). finally show that using anionic surfactant complex cupric ions helps improve dissolution metal. These results open new recycling routes for contained WEEE, with lower environmental footprint.