The new method involves denaturing whey proteins under acidic conditions and high temperatures, causing them to aggregate into protein nanofibrils in a gel. The gel is then dried, creating a sponge out of these protein fibrils. Protein Fiber Sponge and Gold Recovery When the protein fiber sponge is placed in a metal ion solution derived from electronic waste, gold ions adhere to the protein fibers more efficiently than other metal ions. The gold ions are then reduced into flakes, which are melted down into a gold nugget.
Transforming E-Waste into Gold: A Breakthrough in Sustainable Extraction
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