Ricerc@Sapienza

In this study, a methodological approach based on micro X-ray fluorescence
(micro-XRF) was developed in order to characterize end-of-life (EOL) printed circuit boards
(PCB) from smartphones. An in-depth recognition of chemical elements on the PCB allows
to set up an optimal processing strategy for recycling purposes. Moreover, a good
knowledge of PCB composition can help to correctly manage such a waste maximizing
the recovery of base, rare and precious metals. The possibility to carry out analyses both
on entire PCB sample and on shredded particles resulting from milling was explored in
order to check the chemical element concentration in the different size classes. This
information is essential to set up the optimal mechanical processes able to preconcentrate
valuable elements inside the different size class fractions, before that final
chemical element recovery occurs. Obtained results showed as the adopted technique is
useful to characterize both entire PCBs and milled particles allowing to improve the
recycling strategies with “ad hoc” recycling strategies and plant architectures.