Gold Extraction from Printed Circuit Boards Using a Ferricyanide-Based Compound

This chapter delves into the pressing need for sustainable gold extraction methods from electronic waste, particularly printed circuit boards (PCBs). It introduces EcoGoldex’s E-series, a ferricyanide-based compound, as a promising alternative to traditional, toxic methods. The study investigates the impact of temperature and concentration on the extraction efficiency and selectivity of gold over copper. Through meticulous experiments and data analysis, it reveals that E-series can extract gold rapidly, with higher selectivity at certain temperatures. The chapter also explores the optimal concentration of E-series for efficient gold extraction. The findings suggest that while E-series is not perfectly selective, it outperforms cyanide in terms of gold-to-copper ratio. This research paves the way for more eco-friendly and efficient gold extraction methods from electronic waste, addressing both environmental concerns and economic viability.