Comparative study between conventional and nanomaterial-based methods for selective recovery of selenium/tellurium from copper anode slime

The selective recovery of valuable elements from copper anode slime represents a crucial approach to recycling and sustainability. While conventional methods such as oxidative roasting, leaching, and electrolytic refining have been widely adopted, they present disadvantages including high energy consumption, low selectivity, and environmental concerns. Nanomaterials have emerged as promising alternatives, offering enhanced selectivity and efficiency due to their high surface area, tunable properties, and specific interactions with metal ions. This study compares conventional and nanomaterial-based methodologies regarding their efficiency, cost implications, and environmental impacts. Traditional multi-step processes often compromise the purity of recovered elements, whereas functionalized nanoparticles and nanocomposites with their unique nanoscale surface interactions significantly enhance recovery rates and selectivity. Furthermore, this review evaluates the upscaling potential of nanotechnologies, highlighting comparative benefits of traditional methods while emphasizing substantial advancements through research and development. The ongoing evolution of nanomaterial-based technologies underscores the necessity for continued research and innovation to refine applications for selenium and tellurium recovery, ultimately leading to more efficient processing of copper anode slime.