• The need for improved recycling technologies and policies are summarized. • Sustainable cementation strategies for precious metal recovery. • Efficiency and environmental impact through energy-efficient electrochemical precipitation. • Future advancements aim to enhance recovery rates and minimize environmental impact The global demand for precious metals in electronics, automotive catalysts, and renewable energy technologies require efficient recovery methods. Precious metals such as platinum, palladium, gold, and silver are strategically critical; however, their recovery from secondary resources remains technically challenging. With global reserves at 7000 tons and an annual output of 420 tons, production meets only two-thirds of demand, largely driven by the automotive sector using over 68% of PGMs. Additionally, only 24% of consumer electronics and 13% of small household appliances are recycled, clearly highlighting the urgent need for improved recycling technologies and supportive policies. This review explores sustainable cementation strategies for precious metal recovery, focusing on efficiency and environmental impact through energy-efficient electrochemical precipitation. Advanced cementation methods achieve over 95% recovery rates, significantly reducing environmental impact. Compared to ion exchange and electrowinning, cementation offers simplicity, lower costs, and a smaller environmental footprint. Future advancements aim to enhance recovery rates and minimize environmental impact, essential for meeting demand and fostering a circular economy in the precious metals industry.
Hussain et al. (Sun,) studied this question.