Recovery of bromide for bromine extraction: a review of technologies and circular economy implications

Bromine, with its remarkable versatility in industrial applications and significant presence in seawater, plays a crucial role in various sectors including agriculture, healthcare, flame retardants, oil and gas industries, and pharmaceuticals. This review critically evaluates the various technologies for the recovery of bromide to extract elemental bromine, emphasizing their potential for sustainable resource recovery and alignment with circular economy principles. Beginning with an analysis of bromine formation mechanisms and traditional extraction methods, the paper examines current challenges in bromine recovery, including declining traditional resources, energy efficiency concerns, and selectivity issues. It then explores cutting-edge technologies for bromide extraction, considering both recovery and removal, including adsorption methods, membrane separation techniques, and electrochemical processes. The paper also investigates the integration of these technologies within the circular economy frameworks, emphasizing their potential for sustainable resource management and environmental protection. The concluding section discusses prospects, stressing the development of highly selective materials and processing technologies that could enhance extraction efficiency while contributing to circular economy objectives. Through this comprehensive analysis, the review establishes the critical importance of advancing bromine recovery technologies for ensuring sustainable bromine supply and environmental stewardship. This review represents the first in-depth assessment of bromine recovery technologies, connecting current technological advancements to future potential within the circular economy framework.