Extracting rare metals from waste electrical appliances is a complex and specialized process that involves knowledge of chemistry, metallurgy, and safe operation. The following is a basic step-by-step guide to help you understand how to extract rare metals from waste electrical appliances： ### 1. **Classification and disassembly** -**Classification**: First, classify waste electrical appliances by type, such as mobile phones, computers, televisions, etc. The types and content of rare metals contained in different electrical appliances are different. -**Disassembly**: Disassemble electrical appliances and separate parts containing rare metals. For example, circuit boards, batteries, display screens and other components usually contain rare metals such as gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. ### 2. **Identify rare metals** -**Common rare metals**: Common rare metals in waste electrical appliances include gold (Au), silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), etc. -**Identification method**: You can identify the metal type and content by consulting the technical documents of electrical components or using equipment such as X-ray fluorescence analyzer (XRF). ### 3. **Chemical extraction** -**Acid dissolution**: Use strong acids (such as nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, or aqua regia) to dissolve metals. For example, gold can be dissolved by aqua regia (a mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid). -**Electrolysis method**: For some metals, such as copper, it can be extracted from the solution by electrolysis. -**Precipitation method**: Rare metals are precipitated from the solution by adding specific chemical reagents. For example, adding sodium chloride can precipitate silver ions into silver chloride. ### 4. **Refining and purification** -**Refining**: The extracted metal is further refined to remove impurities. For example, the purity of metals is improved by smelting or electrolytic refining. -**Purification**: Use chemical or physical methods (such as distillation, crystallization) to further purify the metal. ### 5. **Safety and environmental protection** -**Safe operation**: When handling strong acids and toxic chemicals, be sure to wear protective equipment (such as gloves, goggles, and masks) and operate in a well-ventilated environment. -**Environmental protection treatment**: Waste liquid and waste residue should be properly disposed of in accordance with environmental protection regulations to avoid polluting the environment. ### 6. **Sales** -**Market research**: Understand the market prices and needs of rare metals and choose suitable buyers. -**Sales channels**: Extracted metals can be sold through metal recycling companies, precious metal exchanges or online platforms. ### 7. **Legal compliance** -**License**: In some regions, relevant permits or licenses may be required for the extraction and sale of rare metals to ensure that your operations comply with local laws and regulations. ### 8. **Professional advice** -**Consult an expert**: If you are not familiar with chemical and metallurgical processes, it is recommended to consult a professional or cooperate with a professional recycling company to ensure safety and efficiency. ### Precautions： -**Hazards**: The extraction of rare metals involves strong acid, alkali and high temperature operations. There are certain hazards, so be sure to operate with caution. -**Economic benefits**: The extraction cost of rare metals may be higher, so make sure you have sufficient economic and technical support. If you only deal with a small amount, it is recommended to hand over waste electrical appliances to a professional electronic waste recycling company. They have professional equipment and technology to efficiently and safely extract rare metals and ensure environmental compliance.