E-waste Research Articles

Application of soil magnetometry and geochemical methods to investigate soil contamination with antimony

The aim of the study was an assessment of the pollution level and identification of the antimony sources in soils in areas subjected to industrial anthropopressure from: transport, metallurgy and electrical waste recycling. The combination of soil magnetometry, chemical analyzes using atomic spectrometry (ICP-OES and ICP-MS), Sb fractionation analysis, statistical analysis (Pearson’s correlation matrix, factor analysis) as well as Geoaccumulation Index, Pollution Load Index, and Sb/As factor allowed not only the assessment of soil contamination degree, but also comprehensive identification of different Sb sources. The results indicate that the soil in the vicinity of the studied objects was characterized by high values of magnetic susceptibility and thus, high contents of potentially toxic elements. The most polluted area was in the vicinity of electrical waste processing plants. Research has shown that the impact of road traffic and wearing off brake blocks, i.e. traffic anthropopression in general, has little effect on the surrounding soil in terms of antimony content. Large amounts of Pb, Zn, As and Cd were found in the soil collected in the vicinity of the heap after the processing of zinc–lead ores, the average antimony (11.31 mg kg−1) content was lower in the vicinity of the heap than in the area around the electrical and electronic waste processing plant, but still very high. Antimony in the studied soils was demobilized and associated mainly with the residual fraction.

The critical success factors for sustainable resource management in circular economy: Assessment of urban mining maturity level

The rapid development of population, urbanization, and industrialization increase the consumption of modern products that generate electronic waste (e-waste) globally. Efforts to overcome e-waste in the context of circular economy exist, but a lack of agreement among researchers and practitioners' challenges how to best measure success in the e-waste circular economy. This study aims to address critical success factors (CSFs) of the e-waste circular economy to assess the maturity levels of urban mining. Maturity levels of urban mining are developed by employing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that derive from how well CSFs are executed. The maturity level is modeled by adding all scores of KPIs aligned with CSFs. Automatic Content Analysis is used to extract keywords and interpret the relationship among keywords to form initial factors in CSFs from a set of related articles on e-waste management. These initial factors are further analyzed by subject experts using facet analysis to construct KPIs in line with the CSFs. The experts' score determines the maturity level of urban mining: initial, emerging, developing, established, and mature. From the experiment, we found seven factors in CSFs and 34 indicators in KPIs. Three countries (Indonesia, India, and Japan) were used as the trials of the assessment of urban mining maturity level. Indonesia's urban mining maturity level is considered emerging with a score of 54, and the same score is reflected in India. With a score of 114, Japan has reached an established stage. Furthermore, the results of urban mining maturity level assessment can be used as guidance to choose and prioritize SDGs. According to urban mining indicators identified, the successful implementation of sustainable urban mining can play important roles in promoting sustainability development goals, especially including SDG 9, SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 17, SDG 7, SDG 6, and SDG 8.

Evaluation of the effect of E-waste on the permeability properties of polymer concrete composites and their behavior in aggressive environments

The rapid increase in the number of electronic products worldwide, in terms of both variety and advanced technology, together with the decrease in costs, has led to the generation of a large amount of electronic waste (e-waste), which has significantly increased environmental pollution. This study was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that the adhesion of polymer binders and plastic origin e-waste will be more effective and stronger, and therefore have a positive effect on the permeability properties of polymer concrete and its behavior against aggressive solutions. For this purpose, quartz aggregates and gravel used as an aggregate in polymer concrete were replaced with 0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12% and 15% e-waste. In the study where unsaturated polyester resin was used as a binder, the changes in the permeability properties (capillary water absorption, rapid chloride permeability) of the e-waste polymer concrete and its behavior against aggressive solutions (acid and sulfate attacks) were evaluated after 7, 28 and 90 days. In addition, mechanical experiments were conducted and comparisons were made. After the control concrete, the highest compressive strengths were obtained from the polymer concrete specimens using 3% e-waste, measured as 59.05 MPa, 64.5 MPa and 73.05 MPa after 7, 28 and 90 days, respectively. The research showed that polymer concretes with capillary water absorption coefficient values close to zero after 90 days can be produced with using up to 9% e-waste. The use of e-waste as an aggregate in polymer concrete at 3%, 6% and 9% e-waste, in particular, produced concrete with a high resistance to acid and sulfate attacks. The hypothesis of the study was confirmed after extensive experiments.Graphical

Tailoring hydropathicity and charge characteristics in magnetizable polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane adsorbent for improved gold capture

Amidst the rapid proliferation of electronic products, an urgent need arises for the efficient retrieval of gold from unconventional sources like electronic waste. This study introduces a straightforward approach for crafting a range of magnetic POSS adsorbents functionalized with monothioglycerol (Fe3O4@POSS-MTGx), demonstrating effective and selective Au(III) capture from aqueous solutions. The resulting Fe3O4@POSS-MTG3 showcases a mesoporous structure with a specific surface area of 113.24 m2 g−1 and a pore size distribution of 4.9 nm. Batch adsorption experiments underscore the high adsorption capacity of Fe3O4@POSS-MTG3, reaching 363.57 mg g−1, alongside a rapid gold recovery rate (achieving 90.6 % of equilibrium adsorption capacity within 4 h). The impact of Fe3O4@POSS-MTG3 on the adsorption capacity of Au(III) under varying light conditions was further examined, revealing an adsorption capacity of 471.3 mg g−1 under white light and 618.49 mg g−1 under ultraviolet light. Leveraging strong sulfur coordination sites, the material showcased selectivity for Au(III) over coexisting ions (Co(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), K(I), Mn(II), Na(I), Ni(II), Zn(II)). These attributes, alongside outstanding regenerability and recyclability, underscore the promising potential of Fe3O4@POSS-MTGx in capturing and recovering Au(III), thus presenting a bright prospect for gold extraction from e-waste.

Leveraging Life Cycle Assessment and System Dynamics Model Analysis for an Integrated Household E-Waste Management System in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Electronic waste (E-waste) is a global environmental issue and a contemporary challenge in developing countries, where implementing sustainable E-waste management policies is required to mitigate the adverse impacts of inappropriate treatment and disposal. This study assesses the environmental and human health impacts of the current E-waste management system in Yaoundé. The study then proposes an integrated E-waste management system (IEMS) with policy instruments for increased formal E-waste collection and reduced environmental impacts from informal E-waste treatment. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was utilized to identify high-impact contributing processes within the current E-waste management system (EMS) and to determine the optimum scenario for an integrated system. The system dynamics model (SDM) analysis ascertained the efficiency of the E-waste policy under the IEMS. Results show that the IEMS can reduce global warming potential, fine particulate matter formation, and human carcinogenic toxicity from one ton of E-waste treatment by 27%, 16.3%, and 34%, respectively. Regarding the policy efficiency simulation for the IEMS, the policy instrument (Policy 1), with levies on electronic appliance producers, proved environmentally efficient in reducing the quantity of informal recycling. It was also more economically viable for the recycling fund to increase formal E-waste collection and subsidize formal treatment within the context of the IEMS. The study outcome is informative for E-waste management policy planning in developing economies.

Investigating the acidophilic microbial community's adaptation for enhancement indium bioleaching from high pulp density shredded discarded LCD panels

As part of electronic waste (e-waste), the fastest growing solid waste stream in the world, discarded liquid crystal displays (LCDs) contain substantial amounts of both valuable and potentially harmful metal, offering valuable opportunities for resource extraction but posing environmental threats. The present comprehensive study is an investigation into the bioleaching of indium from discarded LCD panels, with a particular focus on high pulp density shredded (Sh-LCDs) and powdered (P-LCDs) materials. This study involved an acidophilic consortium, with two pathways, namely the mixed sulfur-iron pathways and sulfur pathways, being explored to understand the bioleaching mechanisms. Indium bioleaching efficiencies through the mixed sulfur-iron pathway were approximately 60% and 100% for Sh-LCDs and P-LCDs, respectively. Three mechanisms were involved in the extraction of indium from LCD samples: acidolysis, complexolysis, and redoxolysis. The microbial community adapted to a pulp density of 32.5 g/L was streak-plated and it was revealed that sulfur-oxizing bacteria dominated, resulting in the minimum indium extraction of 10% and 55% for both Sh-LCDs and P-LCDs samples, respectively. It was generally accepted that ferric ions as oxidants were effective for indium bioleaching from both the Sh-LCDs and P-LCDs. This implies that the cooperation or interaction within the microbial community used in the bioleaching process had a beneficial impact, enhancing the overall effectiveness of extracting indium from LCD panels. The adapted consortium utilizes a combination of microbial transformation, efflux systems, and chelation through extracellular substances to detoxify heavy metals. The adapted microbial community demonstrated better indium leaching efficiency (50%) compared to the non-adapted microbial community which achieved a maximum of 29% and 5% respectively from Sh-LCDs and P-LCDs at a pulp density of 32.5 g/L. The advantages of an adapted microbial community for indium leaching efficiency, attributing this advantage to factors such as high metabolic activity and improved tolerance to heavy metals. Additionally, the protective role of the biofilm formed by the adapted microbial community is particularly noteworthy, as it contributes to the community's resilience in the presence of inhibitory substances. This information is valuable for understanding and optimizing bioleaching processes for indium recovery, and by extension to possibly other metals.

The Importance of Responsible Electronic Waste Treatment for Sustainability

Waste production is experiencing a significant increase in correlation with the growth of the human population and industrial activities. The kind of waste that is expanding at a rapid rate is known as "e-waste," which stands for electronic waste. In the context of electronic waste, the term refers to the waste produced during the disposal of electronic devices and any other components utilized in making or operating these devices. In the same way that different types of waste occur, electronic waste pollutes the environment and the human population. Electronic waste seriously threatens ecosystems and human health if not properly disposed of. The quantity of e-waste generated on a global scale is increasing continuously due to the short lifetime of electronic devices and the fast advancement of technology. Developing sustainable treatment methods for electronic waste is critical to address this issue. Valuable materials are utilized to fabricate electronic devices to enhance their functionality, longevity, conductivity, and efficacy. To mitigate pollution, recycling electronic waste is an absolute necessity due to the factors above. Although this fact remains true, numerous organizations exhibit reluctance towards recycling their electronic devices due to apprehensions regarding the potential exposure of sensitive information. Conversely, secure data deletion is now a reality due to the continuous development of technological capabilities.

AI-driven solutions for sustainable E-Waste Management: Reducing Environmental Impact on Natural Ecosystems

The negative implication on the environment and health caused by electronic waste (e-waste) is increasing and brings the need for an approach that is both creative and sustainable. The aim of this research work is to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) can be applied in waste management, recycling, and raising awareness, in order to improve the ecological outlook by reducing electronic waste’s harmful effects through further automated processes. Specific aims include exploring novel AI technologies for the e-waste sorting, predicting its mount, and optimizing the recycling processes for targeted materials. The study also tackles the issues of lack of integration of AI solutions in e-waste management, which are resource and cost limitation, and reasons for undertaking such a task to address environmental concerns. Analyze the whole research capacity to prevent isolation of e-waste management to e-waste disposal and encourage active involvement in the ongoing campaigns for environment sustainability.

Child exposure to N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) and its derived quinone (6PPDQ) in e-waste areas: Urinary concentrations, sources, and health effect assessment

N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine quinone (6PPDQ) and its parent 6PPD are ubiquitous in the environment and may induce multi-endpoint toxicity. Electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling is an under-recognized source of 6PPD and 6PPDQ emissions, and there is a lack of epidemiological investigations into their presence and health effects in local populations. This study aimed to determine the urinary concentrations of 6PPD and 6PPDQ in children aged 2–7 years from e-waste dismantling areas and evaluate their potential risk to physical growth. We found that children from the e-waste area had significantly elevated urinary concentrations of 6PPD and 6PPDQ (median: 0.073 and 2.34 ng/mL) compared to those in the reference area (0.020 and 0.24 ng/mL, respectively). The estimated urinary excretions of 6PPDQ in the e-waste exposure group were considerably higher than that in the reference group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a borderline significant association of co-exposure to high levels of 6PPD and 6PPDQ with lower BMI z-score (OR = 1.99, 95 % Cl: 1.04, 3.82) was observed in the crude model and the model adjusted for age and gender. In conclusion, our study first reported the urinary 6PPD and 6PPDQ concentrations in children from e-waste dismantling areas. The result indicated that e-waste recycling activities contribute to significantly elevated body burdens of 6PPD and 6PPDQ in children, which may be a potential risk factor for physical growth. Further epidemiological and toxicological studies are needed to investigate the exposure and health risks, especially in vulnerable populations.

Sustainable resilient E-waste management in London: A circular economy perspective

The circular economy (CE) is reasoned to organize complex systems supporting sustainable resilience by distinguishing between waste materials and economic growth. This is crucial to the electronic waste (e-waste) industry of developed countries, and e-waste operation management has become their top priority because e-waste contains toxic materials and valuable sources of elements. In the UK, although London Metropolitan city boasts an ambitious sustainable resilience target underlying the context of CE, practical implementation has yet to be feasible, with few investigations detailing if and how the existing target implications enable industrial and social-ecological sectors to continue their performance functionalities in the face of undesired disruptions. In this paper, a dynamic Bayesian Network (dynamic BN) approach is developed to address a range of potential risks. The existing London e-waste operation management is considered as an application of study for sustainable resilience development. Through the utilization of dynamic BN, a comprehensive analysis yields a Resilience Index (RI) of 0.5424, coupled with a StdDev of 0.01350. These metrics offer a profound insight into the intricate workings of a sustainable system and its capacity to swiftly rebound from unexpected shocks and disturbances. This newfound understanding equips policymakers with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of sustainable e-waste management effectively. The implications drawn from these in-depth analyses furnish policymakers with invaluable information, enabling them to make judicious decisions that advance the cause of sustainable e-waste management. The findings underscore that the absorptive capacity of a sustainable and resilient e-waste operation management system stands as the foremost defense mechanism against unforeseen challenges. Furthermore, it becomes evident that two pivotal factors, namely “diversifying the supply chain” and “enhancing supply chain transparency,” play pivotal roles in augmenting the sustainability and resilience of e-waste operation management within the context of London's ambitious sustainability targets. These factors are instrumental in steering the trajectory of e-waste management towards a more sustainable and resilient future, aligning with London's aspirations for a greener and more eco-conscious future.

Impact of information publicity on Korean residents’ E-waste recycling intentions: Applying the norm activation model and theory of planned behavior

The escalating annual growth rate of electronic waste, commonly referred to as “e-waste,” is currently between 3 % and 5 %, indicating a rapidly increasing solid waste stream. In 2019, South Korea generated 15.8 kg of e-waste per capita. The expansion of South Korea's economy, driven by technological advancement, is a key contributor to this surge in e-waste production. This study examined the impact of information publicity on South Korean residents' e-waste recycling intentions analytically with a quantitative approach. It expanded the norm activation model and theory of planned behavior by incorporating external information elements, including information publicity, in an analysis of 500 responses from the mainland and Jeju Island regarding residents' e-waste recycling intentions and behaviors. The model was validated with partial least squares structural equation modeling via the WarpPLS approach, which is well suited to a model using moderating variables, and the analysis was conducted with WarpPLS 7.0 software. While information publicity did not directly influence residents' intentions to recycle e-waste, it indirectly affected them through two mediating variables: recycling attitudes and moral norms. Additionally, information publicity directly impacted perceived behavioral control. However, perceived behavioral control was not a mediating factor between information publicity and recycling intention. Hence, although people were aware of recycling infrastructure convenience, this awareness did not change their intentions. Current e-waste recycling information and publicity campaigns may be insufficient; the government should improve its publicity events and increase their frequency to encourage effective recycling behavior.

SS36 Electronic waste (E-waste) and informal work in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)

SS36 Electronic waste (E-waste) and informal work in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)

Integrated Environmental Management: Achieving Sustainable Development through the Lens of Water, Air and Waste

This paper explores the global status, primary issues, challenges, and implications of water, air, and waste management for sustainable development. Water management is crucial to achieving sustainable development goals. Currently, half of the global population faces severe water shortages annually, and a quarter faces "extremely high" water stress. Air management is closely tied to energy consumption, urbanization, and industrialization, with air pollution causing millions of premature deaths each year, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Waste management faces challenges from plastic pollution, electronic waste, and food waste, urgently requiring global improvements in infrastructure and regulations. The paper emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to water, air, and waste management, as they are interconnected and impact the environment, health, and the economy. It calls for policy innovation, technological advancements, and societal behavior change, and emphasizes global cooperation and local action to achieve sustainable development goals.

An Experimental Study on Concrete by Using E-Waste as Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregate

Abstract: The world population been growing rapidly and the urbanization spreading widely throughout the world. These been cause remarkable increase in the development of the construction industry which causing a huge demand for concrete and it is resulting in exceeding generation of natural resources. Therefore an alternative source is essential to replace the materials used in concrete. In other hand, Electronics industries also been growing rapidly and the electronic products have became integral part of daily life of people throughout the world. This is causing the rapid production of electronic products and this resulting the production of a huge quantity of E-waste every year throughout the world. These E-wastes have serious human health concerns and required extreme care in it's disposal to avoid any adverse impact. Disposal or dumping of these also cause major issues because it is highly complex to handle and they contain highly toxic chemicals. But many studies say that the E-wastes can be incorporated in concrete and it helps to make a sustainable environment. Therefore This project explores the feasibility and Impact of incorporating electronic waste (E- waste) as partial replacement of coarse aggregate in traditional cement concrete. In this experimental research we are replacing the coarse aggregate by E-Waste by 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of the volume of course aggregate in M20 Concrete and Hence test it for Compressive strength and uniformity. The tests are conducted on the 7th, 14th and 28th day of Curing

Problems of information security in the management of electronic waste

Subject. The study is devoted to data security issues in the disposal of electronic waste. Objectives. The focus is on the analysis of problems and world experience in ensuring user information security in the organization of electronic waste management system, according to the circular economy principles. Methods. The study rests on the content analysis of regulatory and legal documentation on electronic waste management. The information base includes standards of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), the Basel Action Network, Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), European legislation on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), and Russian standards for waste management. Results. So far, Russia has no regulations on data security issues when handling out-of-service electronic equipment, according to the circular economy principles. We propose to supplement Russian regulatory documents with aspects of information security, which will have positive effects on the confidentiality of data available on electronic media when recycling electronic waste. Conclusions. It is required to introduce strict State regulation of processes of handling information contained on electronic media. This will enhance the credibility of e-waste recycling companies with regard to information security.

Significance and Applications of the Thermo-Acidophilic Microalga Galdieria sulphuraria (Cyanidiophytina, Rhodophyta).

Galdieria sulphuraria is a thermo-acidophilic microalga belonging to the Cyanidiophyceae (Rhodophyta) class. It thrives in extreme environments, such as geothermal sulphuric springs, with low pH, high temperatures, and high salinity. This microalga utilises various growth modes, including autotrophic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic, enabling it to exploit diverse organic carbon sources. Remarkably, G. sulphuraria survives and produces a range of bioactive compounds in these harsh conditions. Moreover, it plays a significant role in environmental remediation by removing nutrients, pathogens, and heavy metals from various wastewater sources. It can also recover rare earth elements from mining wastewater and electronic waste. This review article explores the diverse applications and significant contributions of G. sulphuraria.

PH-Responsive Biocompatible Fluorescent Hydrogel for Selective Sensing and Adsorptive Recovery of Dysprosium.

The elevated accumulation of electronic wastes, especially containing Dysprosium ion [i.e., Dy(III)], is emerging as a potential environmental threat. To overcome the deleterious effects of Dy(III), detection and removal of Dy(III) is crucial. Moreover, recovery of high-value Dy(III) is economically beneficial. However, the availability of a single material, capable of sensing Dy(III) in nanomolar concentration and simultaneously adsorbing it with high adsorption capacity (AC), is rare. Therefore, to solve this problem, a pH-responsive fluorescent amino graphene oxide-impregnated-engineered polymer hydrogel (AGO-EPH) has been synthesized, suitable for selective sensing of Dy(III) in nanomolar concentration and adsorbing it from wastewater at ambient temperature. This terpolymeric hydrogel is synthesized from two nonfluorescent monomers, propenoic acid (PNA) and prop-2-enamide (PEAM), along with an in situ generated comonomer (3-acrylamidopropanoic acid/AAPPA) through N-H activation during polymerization. Surface properties and structural details of AGO-EPH are established using NMR, FTIR, XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, Raman, MALDI-mass, and DLS studies. The AGO-EPH exhibits blue fluorescence with selective turn-off sensing of Dy(III) with the detection limit of 1.88 × 10-7 (M). The maximum AC of AGO-EPH is 41.97 ± 0.39 mg g-1. The developed AGO-EPH shows consistent adsorption-desorption property over five cycles, with more than 90% desorption efficiency per cycle, confirming significant recovery of the valuable Dy(III). From Logic gate calculations, complexation of Dy(III) and AGO-EPH may be the reason behind fluorescence quenching. The AGO-EPH also shows antibacterial action against ∼3 × 108 cells mL-1 of E. coli solution. Overall, the developed pH-responsive engineered hydrogel can be used as a potential low-cost sensing device and reusable adsorbent for Dy(III).

Selective Recovery of Tin from Electronic Waste Materials Completed with Carbothermic Reduction of Tin (IV) Oxide with Sodium Sulfite

A new approach for the thermal reduction of tin dioxide (SnO2) in the carbon/sodium sulfite (Na2SO3) system is demonstrated. The process of tin smelting was experimentally optimized by adjusting the smelting temperature and amounts of the chemical components used for the thermal reduction of SnO2. The numbers obtained are consistent with the thermodynamic characteristics of the system and molar fractions of reactants derived from the proposed mechanism of the SnO2 thermal reduction process. They reveal that the maximum yield of tin is obtained if masses of C, Na2SO3 and SnO2 are approximately in the ratio 1:2:3 and the temperature is set to 1050 °C. The key role in the suggested mechanism is the thermal decomposition of Na2SO3. It was deduced from the available experimental data that the produced sulfur dioxide undergoes carbothermic reduction to carbonyl sulfide—an intermediate product involved in the bulk reduction of SnO2. Replacing sodium sulfite with sodium sulfate, sodium sulfide and even elemental sulfur practically terminated the production of metallic tin. The kinetic analysis was focused on the determination of the reaction orders for the two crucial reactants involved in the smelting process.

Technological Advancement in Solar Photovoltaic Recycling: A Review

This review examines the technological surveillance of photovoltaic panel recycling through a bibliometric study of articles and patents. The analysis considered the number of articles and patents published per year, per country, and, in the case of patents, per applicant. This analysis revealed that panel recycling is an increasingly prominent research area. However, the number of patents filed annually has varied in recent years, averaging fewer than 200 per year. The state-of-the-art review identified three main types of treatment for photovoltaic panel recycling: mechanical, chemical, and thermal. Among these, mechanical treatment serves as a preliminary stage before the recovery of valuable elements, which is achieved through chemical or thermal processes. The articles reviewed cover a range of processes, including hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical methods, and explore various classification processes, solvents, and oxidizing agents. In contrast, patents predominantly focus on pyrometallurgical processes. This analysis is supplemented by a survey of market-ready technologies, many of which include stages such as size reduction or delamination followed by pyrometallurgical processes. Additionally, the review highlights the collection processes implemented by some companies, noting that the volume of panels considered waste is currently insufficient to maintain a continuous and year-round operational process. This study identifies key challenges such as (i) reducing solar panel size due to the EVA polymer complicating conventional machinery use, (ii) high process costs from the need for high temperatures and costly additives, (iii) the environmental impact of thermal treatments with high energy consumption and air pollution, and (iv) the necessity for environmentally friendly solvents in hydrometallurgical treatments to reduce contamination during recycling. Future directions include developing specific machinery for panel size reduction, either creating or modifying a polymer to replace EVA for easier treatment, adopting hydrometallurgical treatments with green solvents proven effective in recycling minerals and electronic waste, and addressing the lack of detailed information on industrial processes to make more precise recommendations.

Green smart multifunctional wooden roofs enabled by single-step hydrophobic laser-induced graphene fabrication

Global warming, contributing to the worsening climate crisis, has led to more frequent heavy snowfall and rainfall. This causes corrosion, mold, and structural damage to roofs, which shortens the roofs' lifespan and potentially creates safety hazards. Addressing these challenges, we propose an approach to develop a multifunctional roof crucial for proactive adaptation to extreme weather. In this article, we present hydrophobic laser-induced graphene (LIG) onto wood in a single-step process using femtosecond-laser-direct-writing (FsLDW) technology in ambient air without additional chemical treatment. This hydrophobic LIG, showcasing a high electrical conductivity of 10.0 Ω·sq⁻1 and a high contact angle of 148.8°, seamlessly integrates onto roofs, creating cost-effective, fast, eco-friendly, and smart roofing solutions. The hydrophobic surface of these LIG electrodes incorporates a heating function of LIG showcasing their versatility in providing waterproofing, drying wood, and facilitating de-icing functions. This eco-friendly invention, reliant solely on laser patterning on wood, not only extends roof lifespan but also relieves concerns about electronic waste and recycling, promising the integration of green, smart, and sustainable roofing solutions.