pH7 is a startup focused on technologies centered on the extraction and recycling of critical metals essential for the transition to renewable energy. The proprietary, near-net-zero environmental impact technology transforms mining, recycling, and manufacturing operations into sustainable, eco-friendly processes. By using the novel science of solvometallurgy and complementary techniques, pH7 provides scalable solutions for minimizing waste, emissions, and resource consumption in the recovery of valuable materials.
Core Technology and Applications
Solvo-Metallurgy: At the heart of pH7’s innovation, solvo-metallurgy uses biodegradable green solvents to selectively extract metals in an environmentally friendly manner. This technology complements traditional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical methods by minimizing resource use and environmental damage during metal recovery from ores, concentrates, and waste streams.
Featured Technologies
a. Platinum Group Metals (PGM) Recovery:
pH7's PGM process enables the efficient and sustainable extraction of precious metals like palladium and platinum from spent catalysts and other resources. This high-yield process supports the growing demand for clean energy and industrial applications.
b. Copper Extraction:
Using a closed-loop heap-leaching process, pH7 recovers copper from low-grade ores and tailings. This method reduces the environmental footprint while offering an economical solution for unlocking resources traditionally considered unrecoverable.
c. E-Waste Recycling:
pH7’s advanced e-waste recycling process integrates multiple separation and extraction stages:
- Materials such as steel, aluminum, plastic, glass, and ceramics are separated and refined.
- Precious metals like copper, tin, gold, silver, palladium, and platinum are recovered through a reactor and electrochemical processes powered by renewable energy.
- Residual waste is filtered out, and solvents are recycled in a closed-loop system.
These recycled materials are fed directly into the circular economy, boosting the supply of critical metals for renewable energy technologies.
d. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Catalysts:
pH7 extracts and refines high-purity PGMs used in hydrogen fuel cell catalysts, achieving:
- Up to 99% carbon footprint reduction
- 95% energy efficiency improvement
- Near-zero water usage with no toxic emissions
The company also manages the lifecycle of these metals, recycling them from end-of-life hydrogen technology components to prevent landfill waste.
Environmental and Economic Impact
pH7's solutions significantly reduce reliance on traditional mining, cutting emissions, conserving water, and eliminating hazardous waste. These new processes enable industries to embrace circular models, aligning with global sustainability goals and advancing the clean energy transition.
