Ricerc@Sapienza

Electrowinning represents a promising methodology for recovery of strategical, scarce metals. In this study, an indium electrowinning process using a sulfate electrolyte on stainless steel, nickel, titanium, aluminum and copper (SS, Ni, Ti, Al and Cu) cathodes was investigated. Firstly, cyclic voltammetry carried out at 15 mV/s scanning rate and 25 °C temperature evaluated the suitability of electrolyte and the surface reactivity on different metal cathodes. Subsequently, indium was deposited using a current density of 25 A/m2 for 22 h at 40 °C and pH 2.3.

A novel approach, based on micro X-ray fluorescence (μXRF), was developed to define
an efficient and fast automatic recognition procedure finalized to detect and
topologically assess the presence of the different elements in waste electrical and
electronic equipment (WEEE). More specifically, selected end-of-life (EOL) iPhone
printed circuit boards (PCB) were investigated, whose technological improvement
during time, can dramatically influence the recycling strategies (i.e. presence of

The technological innovation and the relentless marketing of new electronic products with improved performance generate increasing quantities of Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). In this scenario, End-Of-Life (EOL) flat monitors and screens represent a category generating, as a consequence of the rapid change in technology, an important amount of waste. Considering future estimations, the implementation of an adequate recycling infrastructure is necessary.