With the reduction of fossil fuel use and the emergence of green technologies (such as electric cars), lithium-ion batteries play an increasingly important role in the production of these and other electrical devices. Rare earth minerals are the key, However, mining them can be expensive and in some cases polluting.
Now researchers at the University of Edinburgh may be able to tackle the problem using bacteria that
Able to extract lithium, cobalt, manganese and other metals from used batteries and electronic waste.
Researchers use naturally occurring strains of bacteria that act as a kind of “detoxification process.” They are able to manufacture nanoparticles of metals. In the future for researchers They plan to use genetically modified microorganisms. In order to increase efficiency.
According to Professor Louise Horsfall, head of sustainable biotechnology at the university, independence from petrochemicals and the rise of modern electrical technologies It increases humanity's dependence on rare earth minerals.
In addition to environmental protection aspects, political aspects can also have a say in this issue. Experts warn that China has huge reserves of rare earth elements and dominates the processing of ores.
According to Horsfall, the solution may be to develop a circular economy where these metals are recycled.
The next step will be to prove that the minerals extracted in this way can be used to make new batteries or devices. This could be key to meeting the recycling targets required by the new legislation.
Cover image is an illustration. Cover image source: Getty Images
