A plasma electrochemistry reactor enabling the rapid and continuous-flow synthesis of gold and platinum group metal (PGM) nanoparticles

摘要

The separation and purification of metals of the gold and platinum group (PGM) from slurries obtained from the recycling industry is a major environmental and economic issue. In general, conventional physico-chemical processes pose serious environmental risks and leave short profit margins. Here we present a plasma-based process which is inherently environmentally safer and which is scalable from small to large throughputs. Reduction of four representative PGMs from slightly acidic solutions is demonstrated.