\n\tMcGill University, Montreal, announces that a team of chemists has developed a way to process metals with organic molecules, instead of chlorine and hydrochloric acid, to help purify germanium. The system also taps into mechanochemistry, an emerging branch of chemistry that relies on mechanical force \u2013 rather than solvents and heat \u2013 to promote chemical reactions. This technology is based on milling jars containing stainless-steel balls. The jars are shaken at high speeds to help purify the metal. Laboratory experiments have shown that the same techniques can work with other metals, including zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe system, which also consumes far less energy than conventional techniques, could greatly reduce the environmental impact of producing metals from raw materials or from post-consumer electronics.<\/span><\/p>\n \n\t“At a time when natural deposits of metals are on the decline, there is a great deal of interest in improving the efficiency of metal refinement and recycling, but few disruptive technologies are being put forth,” says Jean-Philip Lumb, an associate professor in McGill University’s Department of Chemistry. “That’s what makes our advance so important.”<\/p>\n