Separation Technology for Metal Extraction and Removal
A special issue of Separations (ISSN 2297-8739). This special issue belongs to the section "Purification Technology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2025 | Viewed by 3402
Special Issue Editors
Interests: functional materials; Wastewater purification
Interests: advance materials; waste-to-resources
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The excessive release of metal or nuclides into the environment gravely contaminates eco-systems and thearthens human health, and the extraction and removal of metal/nuclides from various wastewater streams is of great importance. This Special Issue welcomes contributions focused on experimental studies and theoretical analyses of phenomena associated with and arising from the extraction and removal of metal/nuclides from various wastewater streams. We also welcome innovative process development and simulation, equipment design, and fabrication that can advance separation technologies for metal extraction and removal. The preparation and modification of materials used in separation and/or purification operations can be considered if the intended separation and/or purification is an essential part of the work rather than a tool for material characterization.
Dr. Minhua Su
Dr. Changzhong Liao
Dr. Jinfeng Tang
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- metal extraction
- toxic metal/nuclides removal
- waste-to-resources
- water purification
- process development
- material development and application
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Planned Papers
The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.
Title: A Review of Recovery Technologies for Metals and Other Resources from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Shuwen Wang; Yanrong Lai; Jingran Yang; Jiaxue Zhao; Yushan Zhang; Miaoling Chen; Jinfeng Tang; Junhua Xu; Minhua Su
Affiliation: Guangzhou University
Abstract: With the rapid economic development and the continuous growth in demand for new energy vehicles and energy storage systems, a significant number of waste lithium-ion batteries are expected to enter the market in the future. Effectively managing the processing and recycling of these batteries to minimize environmental pollution is a major challenge currently facing the lithium-ion battery industry. This paper analyzes and compares the recycling strategies for different components of lithium-ion batteries, providing a summary of the main types of batteries, existing technologies at various pre-treatment stages, and recycling techniques for valuable resources such as heavy metals and graphite. Currently, pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy processes have matured; however, their high energy consumption and pollution levels are conflict with the principles of the current green economy. As a result, innovative technologies have emerged, aiming to reduce energy consumption while achieving high recovery rates and minimizing environmental impact. Nevertheless, most of these technologies are currently limited to the laboratory scale and are not yet suitable for large-scale application.
Title: Irradiated GMZ Bentonite for Uranium Retention: Performance and Mechanism
Authors: Yushan Zhang; Gang Song; Yujie Mo; Shuwen Wang; Diyun Chen; Minhua Su
Affiliation: 环境科学与工程学院, 广州大学
Abstract: Bentonite has been considered as backfill material in the long-term deep geological disposal sites for radioactive waste. The performance of raw and irradiated bentonite on the retention of radioactive nuclides such as U(VI) is a critical factor for its application. Herein, the intrinsic features and adsorption behavior of Gao Miao Zi (GMZ) bentonite on uranyl ions was investigated. In aqueous solutions, bentonite can achieve an adsorption rate of up to 100% for U(VI). The primary mechanism of U(VI) adsorption by GMZ bentonite is ion exchange, supplemented by surface complexation. Strong irradiation can introduce slight structural changes and framework fractures in bentonite, reducing its adsorption capacity for U(VI). This study provides an in-depth analysis of the adverse effects of high doses gamma radiation on the microstructure and adsorption properties of bentonite, offering important insights for the safe storage of radioactive waste.
Title: A Review of Copper-PGM Mineral Association and Its Impact on 6E PGM Extractive Metallurgical Processes in South Africa
Authors: Daniel Ogochukwu Okanigbe, Abimbola Patricia Popoola, Munyadziwa Mercy Ramakokovhu
Affiliation: Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, 0183, South Africa.
Abstract: The high level of analytical accuracy required during Platinum Group Metal (PGM) accounting and extractive metallurgical process control is often very expensive, thus impacting negatively on the consistent growth of PGMs production in South Africa. In order to tackle this inconsistent growth, an appraisal of Copper-PGM mineral association and extractive metallurgical processes was carried out in this paper. Publications were apprised under geology, reserve, classifications and mineral association of Copper- PGM in South Africa amongst others. It was concluded that there exists a gap in knowledge of the most suitable surface preference for a blend of chalcopyrite ore collectors and how this knowledge can be applied to 6E PGM accounting and extractive metallurgical process control in order to save cost in the area of analysis. Hence, it was recommended that future research work should focus on determining the effect of adding copper sulphide ore collectors in mill and in cell on floatability and kinetics as a function of surface preferences for subsequent 6E PGM extractive metallurgical processes.
Title: Synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 from Waste Electrode via Ball Milling for Efficient Uranium Removal
Authors: Minhua Su; Jinyao Zhu; Ruoning Wu; Jingran Yang; Jiaxue Zhao; Diyun Chen; Changzhong Liao; Kaimin Shih; Shengshou Ma
Affiliation: the University of Hong Kong
Abstract: Developing a cost-effective approach for the remediation of wastewater containing uranyl [U(VI)] ions is essentially important to ecosystem and human health. In this study, Zn-based ZIF-8 framework was fabricated from wasted batteries through an environmentally friendly ball milling process, featuring a smaller crystallite size, a higher specific surface area, and a larger pore diameter compared to those synthesized from commercial Zn(II) sources. The as-obtained Zn-based ZIF-8 framework can effectively remove U(VI) ions from water, and a near complete removal efficiency is achieved across different process parameters including initial dosage, pH values, and the presence of interfering ions. The superior U(VI) removal performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of microstructural features (e.g., crystallite size, specific surface area and pore diameter) and chemical interaction within the framework of Zn-based ZIF-8, resulting in the formation of the UN chelates. This study integrates waste upcycling and hazardous U(VI) removal in an environmentally sound way, thereby promoting a circular economy.
