Researchers at Flinders University in Australia have described a novel, low-cost method for extracting gold from components of old personal computers and other electronic gadgets. The findings were published in the journal Nature.
The scientists explained that their technique provides an inexpensive way to recover valuable metals from electronic waste, thereby encouraging recycling. They noted that current methods for gold recovery often involve toxic substances like cyanide and mercury. Their developed process is significantly less harmful to the environment.
The method utilizes trichloroisocyanuric acid, which is activated by salt water. The dissolved gold is then bound to a specific substance called a “polysulfide polymer sorbent.” This sorbent is designed to selectively attach to gold within the solution. After the gold has been extracted, the polymer can be converted back to its original form (monomer) and reused.
The Australian researchers also pointed out that this new method has potential applications beyond electronic waste, such as recovering precious metals from contaminated water sources.
Separately, in early 2025, Intel Corporation reportedly proposed creating modular computer components to simplify repairs. According to company representatives, this initiative could also contribute to reducing the volume of electronic waste.
Rupert Blackwood 
Barnaby Whitfield