Critical material content in modern conventional U.S. vehicle electronics

• Published in: Waste management (Elmsford) 2020-05, Vol.109 (C), p.10-18
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Ruby T., Baek, Donna L., Haile, Bryna J., Case, Mary E., Cole, Carson C., Severson, Mike H., Carlson, Liam N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2015 GMC Sierra truck; 2016 Toyota Camry sedan; Conventional vehicles; Critical materials; Electronic components; Lead-free soldering
• ISSN: 0956-053X; 1879-2456
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.04.040

[Display omitted] •31 electronic components of 2 modern vehicles were analyzed for critical materials.•12 elements were found in higher content than previously reported, up to 1000 times.•Economic value of critical materials mainly came from precious and magnet metals.•Critical material recycling economics remains cost-prohibitive. Critical materials (CMs) are vital to modern technology. Components of modern vehicles can be recycled to recover and reuse the CMs to help ensure a supply of these materials. Electronic components from a 2015 GMC Sierra truck (21 components) and 2016 Toyota Camry sedan (10 components) were analyzed for CMs. The components were processed via size reduction, aqua regia leaching and dissolution, and final solutions were analyzed for metal content. It was found that most electronic components of both vehicles contain CMs. The most concentrated CMs in the components were Sn, Nb, and Tb. Nd and Co were found in several of the magnetic components. CM economic value was found to be low compared to the overall value of the components, and the CM content would not allow for a viable pathway for recycling. Remanufacturing of components may be a more economic option of reuse in the future.