Last Updated:
You must have heard many times that some people withdraw gold from old laptops or SIM cards. But it is kept in confusion of truth or lie. Now scientists from Switzerland have confirmed it.
Scientists told the way to extract gold from old laptop (Image- File photo)
In today’s digital age, old laptops, computers and mobile phones turn into junk, but do you know that real treasure is hidden in them? Yes, there is gold hidden in it!
Scientists at Switzerland’s ETH Zurich University have discovered a revolutionary method by which high purity gold can be extracted from old electronic devices. This method is so unique that the waste (whey) released during cheese making is used. Let us tell you the complete news.
What came to light in the research
The team led by Professor Raffaele Mezzenga of ETH Zurich published this research in 2024, which was published in the journal Advanced Materials. They denatured the whey protein in acidic conditions and high temperatures, forming protein nanofibrils. A sponge-like aerogel is prepared from these. This sponge absorbs gold ions very selectively, while not attracting other metals like copper, nickel etc. much.
This is the complete process
First of all, the metals are converted into ionic form by dissolving the old computer motherboard. Then whey protein sponge is added to this solution. The sponge adheres to the gold ions on its surface. The sponge is then heated, causing the gold ions to turn into flakes and finally melt into a small gold nugget.
so much gold comes out
In the research, scientists extracted 450 mg of 22 carat (91% pure) gold from just 20 old computer motherboards. This gold is so pure that it can be used in jewelery or new electronics. The important thing is that this method is very safe for the environment. Earlier, poisonous chemicals like cyanide or mercury were used to extract gold from e-waste, which caused pollution and were harmful to health. But this new method is made from food waste, which is cheap and biodegradable. Whey is a byproduct of the cheese industry, which produces millions of tons annually. Making it useful instead of throwing it away gives double benefit. First, e-waste is reduced and food waste is reused. Researchers say that the energy cost and raw material cost of this process is 50 times less than the value of gold, which means it is also economically beneficial.
About the Author
I am working as a senior sub editor in News 18. The aim of the regional section is to introduce you to the events happening in the states which are being liked on social media. So that you don’t miss any viral content.