Synchrotron-based spectroscopy - a tool for improved zinc recovery processes from fly ash
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - Bioeconomy and Health |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | November 2020 - May 2023 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Research infrastructure - utilisation and collaboration |
| Call | Industrial pilot projects for utilisation of large-scale infrastructures for neutron and photon based techniques – 2020 |
| End-of-project report | 2020-03775_Renova.pdf (pdf, 361 kB) |
Important results from the project
The purpose of the project was to create a better understanding of the Zn speciation in fly ash from Renova´s waste incineration plant. This knowledge is important to be able to optimize a process for recycling of Zn from the ash. The Zn speciation in the remaining ash residue after Zn extraction was also investigated. The project has contributed to spreading knowledge within the industry for how synchrotron-based spectroscopy techniques can be used as a step towards an efficient secondary use of materials. The project is a collaboration between Renova AB, RISE and Avfall Sverige.
Expected long term effects
A fraction of our waste is treated by incineration, recovering the energy contained in the waste. A residue from the incineration is fly ash, usually classified as hazardous waste requiring special treatment and storage. At the same time, the ash contains many valuable metals such as Zn and Cu, and Renova has just completed building a plant for the extraction of Zn from the fly ash. In the project we have investigated the speciation of Zn in the fly ash. This knowledge enables optimized processes for the Zn-extraction. The project has resulted in a continued joint research project.
Approach and implementation
For the detailed characterization, two complementary synchrotron-based techniques were implemented for fresh fly ash, as well as for the residue after Zn extraction: X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and chemical imaging in 2-D with X-ray fluorescence (nano-XRF and nano-XANES). Measurements with XAS were mainly carried out at MAXIV (Balder beam line), but initial tests were also carried out at DESY (p65 beam line). Beam time was also obtained in open competition at Diamond Light Source (at i14 beam line), using nano-XRF and nano-XANES.