Electron-Sustained Adsorption–Reduction Interfaces for Precious Metal Recovery

Abstract

Precious metal recovery from secondary resources is increasingly important for securing a sustainable supply of critical materials, yet conventional adsorption–reduction systems remain constrained by the finite electron-donating capacity of redox-active adsorbents. Electron-sustained adsorption–reduction (ESAR) overcomes this limitation by continuously supplying electrons through light-driven, electrically driven, or self-powered processes, thereby sustaining interfacial reduction and enabling cumulative recovery beyond conventional adsorption limits. This perspective examines redox-active adsorption interfaces, external electron supply, and electron utilization in ESAR systems. It further explains how ESAR shifts the design focus from maximizing adsorption capacity to regulating interfacial electron supply, transport, and consumption. We highlight improving electron-use efficiency, regenerating active sites, enabling continuous metal release, and directing metal nucleation and growth as key priorities for advancing ESAR into a scalable platform for precious metal recovery and functional materials synthesis.