Reactive laser ablation in liquids as a promising approach for repurposing effluents from former mining sites

Abstract

The depletion of high-grade mineral deposits and environmental concerns associated with traditional mining practices necessitate alternative strategies for sourcing critical materials. This study explores the innovative use of reactive laser ablation in liquids (RLAL) to recover and repurpose valuable metals from effluents of the former Zlate Hory mine in the Czech Republic, transforming them into multielement nanoparticles (NPs) with broad industrial applications. By leveraging RLAL on two solid targets, Au and Fe, this work demonstrates the formation of multielement NPs that incorporate elements like Al, Fe, and Zn from the mine effluents. These NPs, characterized through various analytical techniques, exhibit unique structural and electrochemical properties. The incorporation of ferrimagnetic AlFe₂O₄ and spinel-structured Zn(Al_1.9Fe_0.1)O₄ into the NPs enhances their catalytic potential, while the presence of Fe-based structures imparts magnetophoretic behavior, making them suitable for various technological applications, including catalysis and data storage. This approach not only provides a sustainable solution for recovering critical elements but also mitigates the environmental impact of former mining activities, aligning with circular economy principles. These findings highlight RLAL as a promising method for transforming waste into high-value nanomaterials, offering a new frontier in sustainable resource management.