Application of plasma technology for treating e-waste: A review

• Published in: Journal of environmental management Vol. 288; p. 112380
• Main Authors: Sanito, Raynard Christianson, You, Sheng-Jie, Wang, Ya-Fen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 15.06.2021
• Subjects: E -waste; Electronic Waste - analysis; Flux agent; Metalloids; Metals; Plasma; Plasma technology; Recycling; Sewage; Technology; Vitrification; Plasma technology; Metalloids; E -waste; Flux agent; Metals; Vitrification
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112380

This review details the current information on e-waste treatment using plasma technology. The current status of e-waste treatment via plasma technology from the scientific literature is presented herein, namely, moist paste battery, galvanic sludge, resin, printed circuit board, and semiconductor industries. The concept of plasma technology, classification of e-waste, contaminants of e-waste (metals, metalloids, and VOCs), and vitrification of the final product are presented herein. This review paper focuses on fusing flux agents to vitrify e-waste. Furthermore, this paper covers laboratory-scale investigations, plasma technology benefits, and reuse of material from plasma post-treatment. The use of plasma technology combined with flux agents could be recommended to eliminate contaminants from e-waste. Materials from plasma post-treatment may also be applied in environmental reuse applications. [Display omitted] •Amount of e-waste increased sharply and faster compared to other waste.•Plasma technology is a promising method to treat e-waste.•Plasma jet creates ionization to eliminate harmful elements.•Addition of flux agent plays a major role to vitrify contaminants in e-waste.•Material from plasma post-treatment shows potential to be used in construction and adsorption.