Unlocking Gold Treasure: A Step-by-Step Guide to Recovering Gold from Cellphone PCBs Using Vinegar, Salt, and Hydrogen Peroxide

Gold is a precious metal that is often found in electronic devices such as cellphones. With the increasing use of technology, the amount of electronic waste has also increased, making it important to find ways to recover valuable metals such as gold from these devices. In this article, we will discuss a simple and effective method for gold recovery from cellphone PCBs using vinegar, salt, and hydrogen peroxide.

What is a Cellphone PCB?

A cellphone PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is a board that contains the electronic components of a cellphone. It is a critical part of a cellphone, and without it, the device would not function. PCBs contain a small amount of gold, which can be recovered through the process we will discuss.

Materials Required for Gold Recovery

To recover gold from a cellphone PCB, you will need the following materials:

1. Vinegar: Vinegar is an acid that can dissolve the copper and other metals in the PCB, leaving the gold behind.

2. Salt: Salt is used as a conductor of electricity in the solution, which helps in the gold recovery process.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer that helps dissolve the remaining metal in the PCB, leaving behind only the gold.

4. Safety Equipment: It is important to use safety equipment such as gloves and goggles to protect yourself during the process.

Steps for Gold Recovery

Here are the steps you need to follow to recover gold from a cellphone PCB:

Step 1: Remove the PCB from the Cellphone

The first step in the gold recovery process is to remove the PCB from the cellphone. This can be done by carefully dismantling the cellphone and removing the PCB from inside.

Step 2: Prepare the Solution

In a glass container, mix vinegar and salt in the ratio of 1:1. The amount of vinegar and salt required will depend on the size of the PCB. Once the mixture is ready, place the PCB inside the container and let it soak for a few hours.

Step 3: Add Hydrogen Peroxide

After a few hours, add hydrogen peroxide to the solution. The ratio of hydrogen peroxide to vinegar and salt solution should be 1:2. For example, if you have used 500ml of vinegar and salt solution, add 250ml of hydrogen peroxide to the mixture.

Step 4: Stir the Solution

Once you have added the hydrogen peroxide, stir the solution well. The solution will start to fizz, which means the hydrogen peroxide is reacting with the metals in the PCB.

Step 5: Filter the Solution

After stirring the solution for a few hours, filter it through a coffee filter or a piece of cloth to remove any solids or impurities.

Step 6: Recover the Gold

The filtered solution will contain gold, which can be recovered by using a chemical method. To do this, add a small amount of sodium metabisulfite to the solution. The gold will react with the sodium metabisulfite, forming a brown precipitate. Once the precipitate has formed, filter it and wash it with water to remove any impurities. Finally, dry the gold precipitate to obtain pure gold.

Conclusion

Recovering gold from a cellphone PCB is a simple and effective process that can be done at home using common household materials. However, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions and follow the steps carefully to ensure success. Gold recovery from electronic waste not only helps in reducing environmental pollution but also provides a source of valuable metals that can be reused.

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