Business PickupAlthough efforts are being made globally to reduce the amount of e-waste that winds up in landfills, we still have a long way to go. As of 2022, only 22.3% of e-waste was recycled, leaving billions of kilograms to sit in landfills. There, toxic materials like lead, cadmium, and beryllium leached into soil and waterways, polluting surrounding ecosystems.
In addition to increasing recycling efforts, another solution for reducing the toxic effects of e-waste is to find less harmful materials when creating new devices. Here’s a look at some of the most promising innovative materials that aim to make electronics more sustainable and less toxic.
Biodegradable electronics
Researchers are creating electronic components from natural substances such as cellulose, chitin (a component of crab shells), and silk proteins. These natural materials are designed to decompose at the end of their lifecycle. For example, cellulose, derived from plant fibers, is being used to create flexible and sustainable substrates for electronic circuits. These materials break down more easily than traditional plastics. Similarly, researchers have developed electronic devices using silk proteins. These devices are not only biodegradable but also biocompatible, making them suitable for medical applications.
Nontoxic conductors
Traditional electronic devices often rely on toxic metals for conducting electricity, such as lead and cadmium. However, new materials are being explored that eliminate the need for these hazardous substances. For one, graphene is incredibly strong, flexible, and an excellent conductor of electricity. Graphene-based electronics offer a safer alternative to traditional conductive materials. Silver is also a highly efficient conductor and can replace indium tin oxide (ITO), which is toxic and expensive. Silver nanowires also provide flexibility and transparency, and are useful for applications in touchscreens and displays.
Recyclable and reusable components
In addition to reducing toxicity, improving the recyclability and reusability of electronic components can also benefit our ecosystems. By designing electronics with their full lifespan in mind, manufacturers can make it easier to recover valuable materials and minimize waste.
For example, electronics with modular components can be more easily disassembled for repair or recycling. Companies like Fairphone are pioneering this approach, creating smartphones that can be upgraded or repaired piece by piece. Some manufacturers are also exploring the use of reversible adhesives. Whereas traditional electronics often use adhesives that make recycling difficult, new reversible adhesives allow components to be detached without damaging them, facilitating easier recycling and reuse.
Eco-friendly batteries
Batteries are a significant concern in e-waste due to their toxic content and short lifespan. Innovations in battery technology are focusing on reducing harmful materials and enhancing sustainability. Solid-state batteries, for one, use a solid electrolyte instead of the liquid or gel electrolytes found in traditional batteries, reducing the risk of leakage and environmental contamination. They also offer higher energy density and longer lifespans. Researchers are also investigating batteries made from organic materials to power certain devices, which are not only less toxic but also biodegradable.
Sustainable manufacturing
Beyond materials, the manufacturing processes themselves can be optimized to reduce environmental impact. Green chemistry principles are being applied to electronics production to minimize the use of hazardous substances and improve energy efficiency.
Water-based soldering techniques have emerged as an alternative to traditional, lead-based soldering, reducing the need for toxic chemicals and improving safety during production. Advances in manufacturing technology are also being developed to lower the energy consumption of electronic device production, reducing its overall carbon footprint.
The push towards innovative materials in electronics represents a significant step forward in addressing the environmental challenges posed by e-waste. By adopting biodegradable materials, non-toxic conductors, recyclable components, eco-friendly batteries, and sustainable manufacturing processes, we can make electronics safer for the environment and reduce the toxicity of e-waste.
As we wait for less toxic materials to become available to the masses, you can rest assured your end-of-life devices are being handled sustainably by partnering with Quantum. Through refurbishing and recycling, we’ll keep your e-waste out of landfills – find out more here.