Iridium Recovery_Traditional and Innovative Approaches to Iridium Recovery Methods

Iridium, as one of the most refractory platinum group metals (PGMs), holds a critical position in various industries such as medicine, electronics, and catalysis. With the continued increase in demand for iridium, the need for effective methods for its recycling and purification becomes inevitable.

Traditional Iridium Recovery Methods

Traditional iridium recovery methods are complex and time-consuming processes that have been used to separate and refine iridium from other platinum group metals (PGMs) and gold. Initially, aqua regia is used to process PGMs and gold, dissolving platinum, palladium, and gold while leaving iridium, ruthenium, and rhodium in the solution. This initial separation is followed by a complex series of procedures to isolate and refine individual metals. Although these traditional methods have been effective, they often involve the use of volatile organic solvents that can lead to environmental pollution. Moreover, low separation efficiency and high equipment requirements pose additional challenges.

Innovative Approaches to Iridium Recovery

Innovative approaches for iridium recovery, although new compared to conventional methods, have a low carbon footprint, support a circular economy, and increase recycling efficiency. As the demand for sustainable practices increases, researchers have explored alternative methods for iridium recovery. Ionic Liquids (ILs), known as “green solvents,” have emerged as promising candidates for extracting and separating PGMs, including iridium, from solutions. Synthesizing specific ILs, such as quaternary ammonium or quaternary phosphorus compounds, has enabled researchers to successfully extract iridium from mixed PGM solutions. However, the high viscosity of ILs often requires the use of organic solvents, limiting their application areas. To overcome this limitation, researchers have proposed using hydrophilic/hydrophobic mixtures of ILs, which enhance extraction efficiency. Additionally, the development of reliable and sustainable stripping processes for direct recovery of iridium from organic phases using electrodeposition techniques reduces environmental impact and secondary waste.

Partner with Us for Sustainable Iridium Recycling

The importance of iridium in modern industry cannot be overstated, and neither can the value of recycling this rare and precious metal. Contact us today to learn more about our iridium scraps recycling services and how we can support your sustainability goals. 

By giving iridium a second life, we’re not just reclaiming a valuable resource—we’re shaping a sustainable future.  

Dingfeng Precious Metals Recycling includes precious metals such as gold, silver, palladium, rhodium, platinum, germanium, iridium, ruthenium, etc. This is our business in precious metal recycling. If you have precious metals such as gold, silver, palladium, rhodium, platinum, germanium, iridium, ruthenium that need to be recycled, please contact us and we will provide you with a satisfactory price.

Email us with pictures at dfpmr5719@dfpmr.com or send us on whatsapp at +8613760175719 to discuss your materials. We provide professional evaluations of industrial precious metal-bearing scrap and estimates of precious metal content.