#News: Cornell researchers have developed a viable method to extract #gold from #ewaste. They can convert #CO2 into #gold, tackling both electronic waste and #GHG emissions. #BoycottGold #BoycottGold4Yanomami

http://palmoildetectives.com/2026/03/04/trash-into-treasure-turning-e-waste-and-co2-into-gold/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

#News: Cornell researchers have developed a viable method to extract #gold from #ewaste. They can convert #CO2 into #gold, tackling both electronic waste and #GHG emissions. #BoycottGold #BoycottGold4Yanomami

http://palmoildetectives.com/2026/03/04/trash-into-treasure-turning-e-waste-and-co2-into-gold/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Trash into Treasure: Turning E-Waste and CO2 into Gold

Trash into Treasure: Turning E-Waste and CO2 into Gold | Researchers at Cornell University have developed a sustainable technique to extract gold from electronic waste and repurpose it as a catalyst to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into valuable organic compounds. This method addresses e-waste challenges and contributes to CO₂ reduction efforts. Help with the transition when you #BoycottGold #BoycottGold4Yanomami

#News: Cornell researchers have developed a viable method to extract #gold from #ewaste. They can convert #CO2 into #gold, tackling both electronic waste and #GHG emissions. #BoycottGold @palmoildetect #BoycottGold4Yanomami https://wp.me/pcFhgU-9PR

Cornell University. (2025, January 2). New method turns e-waste to gold. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250102162300.htm

In a groundbreaking study, Cornell University researchers have introduced an eco-friendly method to extract gold from electronic waste (e-waste) and utilize it as a catalyst for converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into useful organic materials. This dual-purpose approach offers a sustainable solution to two pressing environmental issues: e-waste accumulation and CO₂ emissions.

E-waste, comprising discarded electronic devices, is a rapidly growing environmental concern, with approximately 50 million tons generated annually worldwide. Notably, a ton of e-waste contains significantly more gold than a ton of mined ore, highlighting the potential for resource recovery. Traditional gold extraction methods involve hazardous chemicals like cyanide, posing environmental and health risks. The Cornell team’s method employs chemical adsorption using vinyl-linked covalent organic frameworks (VCOFs) to selectively capture 99.9% of gold ions and nanoparticles from e-waste without harmful substances.

Once recovered, the gold-loaded VCOFs serve as catalysts to transform CO₂—a major greenhouse gas contributing to climate change—into valuable organic compounds. This process not only mitigates CO₂ levels but also produces materials beneficial for various industrial applications. Lead researcher Amin Zadehnazari emphasised the environmental and practical benefits of this approach, stating, “By transforming CO₂ into value-added materials, we not only reduce waste disposal demands, we also provide both environmental and practical benefits. It’s kind of a win-win for the environment.”

This innovative method represents a significant advancement in technology, offering a promising avenue for addressing electronic waste and carbon emissions simultaneously. The research underscores the potential of integrating waste management with environmental remediation strategies to develop comprehensive solutions for global ecological challenges.

Cornell University. (2025, January 2). New method turns e-waste to gold. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250102162300.htm

ENDS

Read more about deforestation and ecocide in the palm oil industry

Trash into Treasure: Turning E-Waste and CO2 into Gold

Turning E-Waste and CO2 into Gold addresses e-waste challenges and contributes to CO₂ reduction efforts. Take action and boycott gold for Yanomami people!

Do you love animals? Make every day #WorldWildlifeDay

This #WorldWildlifeDay take action for animals great and small! Reptiles insects, mammals and birds deserve better than palm oil ecocide and extinction. Make sure you Boycott palm oil

So-called ‘Net Zero’ Flights Flush Rainforest Carbon Into the Sky

Virgin Atlantic airlines now uses ‘sustainable aviation fuel’ however experts call it greenwashing and industry spin causing climate change. Boycott palm oil!

Gursky’s Spectral Tarsier Tarsius spectrumgurskyae

Gursky’s spectral tarsiers AKA Wusing of North Sulawesi are vulnerable due to palm oil and timber deforestation. Take action for them and boycott palm oil!

Forest Protection Equals Climate Protection

Forests offer climate protection and safeguard indigenous peoples, endangered animals and rare plants. Deforestation is a major threat. Boycott palm oil!

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The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert

How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy

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