Knowledge Agora



Scientific Article details

Title Assessment of smartphones' components and materials for a recycling perspective: tendencies of composition and target elements
ID_Doc 20126
Authors Cenci, MP; Eidelwein, EM; Scarazzato, T; Veit, HM
Title Assessment of smartphones' components and materials for a recycling perspective: tendencies of composition and target elements
Year 2024
Published Journal Of Material Cycles And Waste Management, 26, 3
DOI 10.1007/s10163-024-01896-9
Abstract Although several recycling solutions are already being applied for electronic scraps, the seek for more efficient routes is a hotspot in research, and crucial to achieve the so needed circular economy. This study is the first step of a project that aims to develop recycling solutions for entire smartphones. A comprehensive characterization of all smartphones' components and a definition of the main material targets for recovery are provided. Characterization included 30 devices of different brands fabricated before and after 2015, analysis of 50 metal elements, and FTIR analysis and loss on ignition for polymers. Significant information about tendencies of composition and distribution of materials were noted, such as the increasing in concentration of Al, and the decreasing in precious metals. The definition of material targets included parameters of mass fraction, economic potential, scarcity, and associated environmental burden (values are given for each material in all components). At the end, Cu, Al, Au, Pd, Co, and Li were found the most relevant elements for recovering. By addressing these elements (73% of the total mass of metals), 99% of the total economic potential could be recovered, as well as 90 and 97% of the calculated scarcity and environmental burden parameters, respectively.
Author Keywords Characterization; Circular economy; E-waste; WEEE; Battery
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:001174917100001
WoS Category Environmental Sciences
Research Area Environmental Sciences & Ecology
PDF
Similar atricles
Scroll