Division/Committee: [ENVR: Division of Environmental Chemistry] [GEOC: Division of Geochemistry]

Global demand for precious and critical materials has surged due to their pivotal role in modern technologies, including energy production and storage, electromobility, and information and communication technology, which entails transitioning towards a low-carbon future. However, excessive utilization of these materials has led to increased exploitation of natural resources, emphasizing the need for recovery and recycling from secondary sources to avoid constraints or disruption in the supply chain of raw materials. The extraction and processing of these resources through traditional mining practices lead to the generation of greenhouse gases, water stress, and biodiversity loss. Technological advancements in circular economy practices such as reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing from secondary sources offer promising solutions to reduce dependence on primary sources, establish a sustainable resources management system, and mitigate environmental impacts. We invite contributions showcasing emerging technological developments for cutting-edge applications in the recovery, recycling, and regeneration of critical materials from various waste and wastewater resources, including E-waste and industrial wastewater streams, to address the challenges of the sustainable supply of materials. Research contributions that present innovative solutions for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the sustainability of critical materials manufacturing are highly encouraged but not limited to these topics.

Byong-Hun Jeon

Hanyang University

Appearances