Analysis of the Method for Recovering Germanium from Germanium-containing Wastewater
JI Yang
WANG Yang
ZHANG Qingjin
YU Yihai
CHEN Zhihua
Abstract：Germanium is a critical strategic metal in the high-tech field.Owing to its resource scarcity and the increasingly prominent supply-demand contradiction,the recovery of germanium from germanium-containing wastewater has become a research hotspot.This technology bears triple values of resource recycling,environmental protection and economic benefits,which is in line with the concept of circular economy.This paper reviews the traditional recovery methods including precipitation and reduction methods,as well as the emerging technologies such as solvent extraction,ion exchange and membrane separation.The principles,application effects and inherent limitations of these methods are analyzed,and the key influencing factors(wastewater impurities,pH value and temperature)and the differences in technical economic costs are also discussed.Future research should focus on developing multi-technology composite processes,optimizing operation parameters and exploring new materials,so as to achieve high-efficiency,economical and eco-friendly germanium recovery,and further alleviate resource shortage and support the sustainable development of related industries.
Keywords：germaniumwastewater treatmentrecovery methodseconomic cost
Publication Date：2025-08-20
Online Publishing Date：2026-05-22(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：4( 16-19 )