Applications of deep eutectic solvents in metal recovery from E-wastes in a sustainable way

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), a novel category of environmentally friendly solvents has emerged recently. The extraction of metals through hydrometallurgy has gained significant importance due to the rise in metal demand. The escalating release of metal-related waste not only raises concerns about human health and environment, but also expedites the depletion of natural metal reservoirs. Conventional solvents used in these techniques frequently have harsh characteristics that could result in human health hazard, and the environmental deterioration. It is vital to use greener solvents to make these separation procedures sustainable and cleaner. This surge in interest is primarily propelled by the shorter lifecycles of electronics higher consumption rates. E-waste, categorized as hazardous material, can have detrimental environmental consequences if not collected and recycled properly. Hydrophilic DESs offer a potential solution for metal leaching and have the capacity to replace mineral acids, thereby potentially reducing water usage. Effective and targeted extraction of metals from minerals or waste materials becomes feasible with the use of DESs. This review encompasses an elucidation of DESs and their characteristics, coupled with a foundational exploration of their utility as an alternative medium for conducting metal separation from diverse sources. Also, an overview of recent literature is presented, highlighting the application of DESs in metal separation, detection, and recovery efforts.