An innovative solution for the recovery and reuse of yttrium, a rare and critical chemical element, from electronic waste, has emerged from research conducted by Area Science Park and the University of Udine, presented at the “IRTC25” conference in Ljubljana. The study, conducted by Marinella Favot, Roberta Curiazi and Antonio Massarutto, demonstrates how Yttrium Triflate (Y(OTf)₃), a widely used catalyst in the pharmaceutical industry, can be produced in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way from waste materials.
Yttrium and its compounds play a crucial role in numerous chemical and technological processes within the pharmaceutical sector. This element is used as a catalyst in key reactions for the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, such as hydrolysis, condensation and oxidation-reduction reactions. Thanks to its high efficiency, yttrium triflate, in particular, makes it possible to reduce reaction times and improve chemical process yield, making it indispensable for the production of complex molecules that form the basis of many medicines.
As well as its use as a catalyst, yttrium is used in advanced technologies such as solid-state lasers, used in medical devices for surgery and diagnostics (YAG – Yttrium Aluminium Garnet lasers), in medical imaging techniques (including positron emission tomography – PET) and in biocompatible materials used in medical devices. Additionally, yttrium is used in the production of ceramics, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and plasma screens, cathode ray tubes (CRT), automotive catalysts, fluorescent lamps, permanent magnets and metallic alloys for batteries, as well as in fuel cells and electrolysers (key green hydrogen technologies), primarily in the form of yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ).
Recycling Yttrium from Electronic Waste: A Sustainable Solution
The research presented at the IRTC25 conference focuses on recovering yttrium oxide, which is present in small quantities in electronic waste, and transforming it into yttrium triflate through a three-stage process: catalyst synthesis, filtration and water removal. Although the final product is not 100% purified, it has proven to be effective and economically sustainable compared to purchasing pure yttrium triflate on the market.
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