Germanium slag recovery: technology and application of recovering germanium slag

Germanium, as a rare metal element, has a wide range of applications in high-tech industries. However, with the widespread use of germanium, a large amount of germanium slag was generated. These germanium residues still contain abundant germanium resources. If they can be effectively recovered and utilized, they will contribute to the sustainable development of resources and environmental protection. This article will introduce the methods, technological progress, and applications of recovering germanium from germanium slag in various fields.

1. Generation and problems of germanium slag

Germanium slag is a waste generated during the process of extracting germanium, and its main components are germanium oxide, germanium silicate, etc. With the vigorous development of industries such as semiconductors and solar cells, the demand for germanium is increasing year by year, and the production of germanium slag is also constantly increasing. Germanium slag contains a large amount of valuable germanium elements, but if discharged directly without treatment, it will bring serious harm to the environment and human health. Therefore, recovering germanium from germanium slag has become an urgent problem to be solved.

2. Method and technology for recovering germanium from germanium slag

1. Wet extraction of germanium: Wet extraction of germanium is currently a mature recovery method. It uses acidic solutions to dissolve germanium from germanium slag, and then recovers germanium through chemical precipitation or electrochemical methods. This method is simple to operate and has a lower cost, but it has certain environmental pollution. 2. Melting method for extracting germanium: Melting method for extracting germanium utilizes high temperature to melt germanium slag, thereby achieving the separation of germanium from other impurities. This method has a high recovery rate of germanium, but it requires high energy consumption and equipment requirements, and the generated slag needs further treatment. 3. Biological germanium extraction: Biological germanium extraction utilizes the adsorption of microorganisms to enrich germanium from germanium residue onto the surface of microorganisms, and then recovers germanium through washing, concentration, and other methods. This method is environmentally friendly and does not require the use of harmful chemicals, but the recovery rate and speed of germanium are relatively low.

3. Progress in germanium recovery technology

In recent years, significant progress has been made in germanium recovery technology. For example, using membrane separation technology can effectively improve the recovery rate of germanium in wet extraction and reduce environmental pollution. In addition, researchers have improved the process parameters and equipment design for extracting germanium by melting, reducing energy consumption and improving the efficiency of germanium recovery. In terms of biological extraction of germanium, scientists have modified microorganisms through genetic engineering technology to enhance their germanium adsorption capacity, thereby improving the recovery rate of germanium.

4. Application of Germanium Recovery in Various Fields

1. Semiconductor industry: Germanium is widely used in the Semiconductor industry, such as making high-speed electronic devices, optoelectronic devices, etc. Recycling germanium from germanium slag can reduce the production cost of the Semiconductor industry and reduce the impact on the environment. 2. Solar cell industry: Germanium is a key element in solar cells, used to produce high-efficiency multi junction solar cells. Recycling and utilizing germanium from germanium slag can increase the production of solar cells, reduce production costs, and promote the development of renewable energy. 3. Fiber optic communication field: Germanium also has important applications in the field of fiber optic communication, such as in the production of fiber amplifiers. The progress of germanium recovery technology has improved the quality of germanium recovered from germanium slag, which helps to reduce the production cost of fiber optic communication equipment. 4. Other high-tech industries: Germanium also has important applications in other high-tech industries, such as aerospace and military. Recycling and utilizing germanium from germanium slag can help reduce material costs in these fields and promote technological progress.

With the development of technology and the increasing demand for resources, recovering germanium from germanium slag has become an important research topic. By using methods such as wet method, melting method, and biological method, the recovery and utilization of germanium resources in germanium slag can not only provide raw material support for high-tech industries, reduce production costs, but also reduce environmental pollution and achieve sustainable utilization of resources. Currently, some progress has been made in germanium recovery technology, but there are still many challenges to overcome. In the future, with the continuous progress of science and technology, germanium recycling technology will be better developed and make greater contributions to the sustainable development of human society.

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