Research Projects

The global e-waste production is estimated at 53.6 million metric tons MT in 2019, requiring immediate and sustainable recycling technology. This project aims to develop an eco-friendly methodology for the valorization of waste PCBs using pyro-hydro-electrometallurgical processes for the recovery of valuable metals. The Indo-Serbian team aims to address the complexity of PCB recycling by utilizing an alternative hydro-pyro metallurgical processing route. The process includes pre-treatment, physical separation, hydro-pyro-electro metallurgical processing, separation/purification, and refining. The proposed recycling process combines innovative pyro- and hydro-metallurgical processes for high recovery rates, minimizes scrap volume, and enriches valuable metals while reducing toxins emissions. The project aims to scale up the process to 1-10 kg PCB mass, focusing on characterization of starting materials and evaluating the distribution of hazardous materials during metal recovery/refining. The environmental aspect of the project includes reducing electronic waste generation, emissions, and greenhouse gas emissions.