Scientists from Flinders University in Australia have detailed a new method for extracting gold from components found in old personal computers (PCs) and other electronic gadgets. Their research has been published in the journal Nature.
The specialists explained that their technique offers an inexpensive way to recover valuable metals from electronic waste, thereby encouraging recycling. They noted that currently, gold is often extracted using highly toxic materials such as cyanide and mercury. The researchers have developed a processing method for waste that is significantly less harmful to the environment.
Their process involves using trichloroisocyanuric acid, which is activated by saltwater. The dissolved gold then binds to a specific polymer they have named “polysulfide polymer sorbent.” This sorbent selectively attaches to gold in solution. After the metal is extracted, the polymer can be converted back into its monomer form and reused.
The Australian scientists also pointed out that this novel method could potentially be applied to recover precious metals from contaminated water sources.
Separately, earlier in 2025, the Intel corporation proposed initiating the production of modular computer components to simplify repairs. According to company representatives, such an approach could also contribute to reducing the volume of electronic waste generated.
