From E-Waste to Hydrogen Evolution: Harnessing Recycled Precious Metals for Catalytic Efficiency in Hydrogen Evolution Reactions
Stefan Mitrović,
Snežana Brković,
Sanja Živković,
Nikola Zdolšek,
Mina Seović,
Jelena Georgijević,
Ivana Perović
Affiliations
Stefan Mitrović
Department of Physical Chemistry, “Vinča” Institute of Nuclear Sciences—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12–14, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia
Snežana Brković
Department of Physical Chemistry, “Vinča” Institute of Nuclear Sciences—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12–14, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia
Sanja Živković
Department of Physical Chemistry, “Vinča” Institute of Nuclear Sciences—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12–14, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia
Nikola Zdolšek
Department of Physical Chemistry, “Vinča” Institute of Nuclear Sciences—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12–14, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia
Mina Seović
Department of Physical Chemistry, “Vinča” Institute of Nuclear Sciences—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12–14, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia
Jelena Georgijević
Department of Physical Chemistry, “Vinča” Institute of Nuclear Sciences—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12–14, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia
Ivana Perović
Department of Physical Chemistry, “Vinča” Institute of Nuclear Sciences—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12–14, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia
Against the background of escalating global electronic waste (e-waste) and its rich reservoir of elements, this research addresses the exploitation of precious metals from discarded CPUs for potential applications in hydrogen production. The study systematically explores the influence of varied CPU sample preparation techniques on the formation of an electrode’s catalytic layer and the kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. Four distinct e-waste samples, each subjected to different preparation protocols, were employed as sources in electrodeposition baths. The electrocatalytic efficiency of the resulting electrodeposited cathodes was evaluated, with the AR-CPU-1.4M electrode demonstrating superior properties. Morphological insights from SEM, coupled with elemental data from EDS and ICP analyses, revealed the intricate relationship between sample preparation, electrode characteristics, and HER kinetics. Notably, gold deposits and a prominent copper concentration emerged as defining attributes of our findings. This research underscores the potential of e-waste-derived metals, particularly in hydrogen production, providing an avenue for sustainable metal recovery and utilization.
