Novel Synthesis of Silicon Carbide Nanowires from e-Waste

Abstract

In this study a novel new process for the synthesis of silicon carbide nanowires from a voluminous and problematic waste stream, e-waste, is verified. Silicon carbide nanowires (SiC NWs) with diameters of 30–200 nm and length up to 10 μm were synthesized via the carbothermal reduction of two electronic waste (e-waste) components. The glass fraction of an obsolete computer monitor (GCM) was used as a source of silica and the computer’s plastic shell (CPS) as a carbon source. After identifying the composition of the GCM and the CPS, a stoichiometric mixture of both components was prepared and subsequently heat-treated at 1550 °C in an inert atmosphere. The resulting product was characterized, and results confirmed the formation of three distinct morphologies of SiC NWs; smooth surface NWs, bamboo-like NWs, and hexagonal prism NWs with high-density stacking faults (SF). According to the N2 physisorption analysis, the SiC NWs showed mesoporous characteristics with a specific surface area of 51.4 m2/g and pore size distribution ranging from 2 to 15 nm. Given the growing global burden of e-waste, we have demonstrated a new low cost means of synthesizing SiC NWs and the use of a problematic waste, delivering potential economic and environmental benefits.

An efficient way of recycling silicon kerf waste for synthesis of high‐quality SiC

“…Subsequently, SiO(g) and CO(g) diffuse to the SiC surface of the raw material, forming CO 2 (g) and a new SiC phase (Equation 5). The generated CO 2 (g) will be consumed immediately by the surrounding carbon to form CO(g) (Equation 6) and the concentration of CO in some regions could reach a high supersaturation, which may cause structural defects of the SiC 27 as detected in the Raman results. In addition, the SiO(g) may also diffuse to the surface of carbon particle and react to produce SiC(s) with a small size.…”

Utilizing Waste Cable Wires for High‐Performance Fiber‐Based Hybrid Supercapacitors: An Effective Approach to Electronic‐Waste Management

“…[1] This innovate technology enables the creative approach to develop highly flexible and lightweight energy storage devices to use as a power supply. [13] Some common e-waste sources such as expired household appliances (electrical cable wires, fans, televisions, heaters, etc.) [13] Some common e-waste sources such as expired household appliances (electrical cable wires, fans, televisions, heaters, etc.)…”

From E‐Waste to Nb‐Pb Co‐Doped and Pd‐Loaded TiO2/BaTiO3 Heterostructure: Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Performance

“…Some technologies such as mechanical–physical separation, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, vacuum metallurgy separation, bioleaching, and supercritical water have been applied to the recycling of e‐waste. More significantly, some researchers recently proposed a new idea for preparing high‐value‐added functional materials from e‐waste . Maroufi et al.…”

“…Maroufi et al. synthesized silicon carbide nanowires and Pr 3+ /Dy 3+ ‐doped Nd 2 O 3 from e‐waste . Ramaswamy et al.…”

“…[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Maroufi et al synthesized silicon carbiden anowires and Pr 3 + /Dy 3 + -dopedN d 2 O 3 from ewaste. [16,17] Ramaswamy et al synthesized Ag-, Cu-, and Sn-doped waste non-metallic printed circuit boardsf or the degradation of organic pollutants. [19] Some researchers have also regenerated TiO 2 or prepared TiO 2 -based photocatalysts from ewaste for environmental pollution treatment.…”