If you've ever opened an electronic device, such as a radio, television, or even your old cell phone, you've seen how it's built inside. Have you ever noticed those sparkling gold metallic parts of the circuits? Those little parts that glisten are, in fact, gold. Gold is used in electronic boards for its excellent conductive properties and because it does not corrode or rust over time. If you have some of these electronic boards at home, have fun mining the gold they contain.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Remove the Gold Using Nitric Acid
Step 1. Get protective gear
Be sure to wear a mask, safety glasses and gloves for industrial work. Chemicals and acids can irritate or even corrode your skin. The fumes of burning acids can damage the eyes and cause nausea if inhaled.
Step 2. Purchase some concentrated nitric acid
Nitric acid is a light colored liquid chemical used in industry to work with wood and steel. You can buy it at a chemistry specialty store.
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In some countries, however, purchasing nitric acid may be prohibited or you may need to meet certain safety standards before you can purchase it. Check with your local authorities before buying it.
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Step 3. Put the circuit in a glass container
The container should be made of Pyrex or a type of glass that can withstand high temperatures.
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Break the electronic board into smaller pieces before placing it in the glass container.
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Do not use plastic containers, as the acid could burn them, puncturing them.
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Step 4. Pour the nitric acid concentrate into the glass container with the circuit boards
The moment you put the acid in the container, the fumes will begin to rise; be sure to wear appropriate protection.
Step 5. Stir the mixture with a glass rod until the contents become fluid
Since gold requires stronger chemical solvents to liquefy, the nitric acid will dissolve all plastic and metal parts of the card without damaging the gold fragments.
Step 6. Drain the nitric acid from the compound
Use a filter to separate the solid parts from the liquid.
Step 7. Extract the solid parts
These contain gold. Some bits of plastic may be stuck to the gold, so you'll need to manually separate these bits. Be sure to wear industrial gloves when doing this job.
Method 2 of 2: Remove the Gold Using Fire
Step 1. Get the proper protections
Be sure to wear a protective face mask, safety goggles, and industrial gloves to avoid inhaling fumes from the burning plastic. Use steel pliers to twist the circuit boards as they burn.
Step 2. Get a metal bin or tray and put the circuit boards in it
Break them into smaller pieces to make them burn faster.
Step 3. Set the tabs on fire
Pour some gasoline on the cards to make them catch fire. Twist the burning card pieces using steel pliers, wait until the cards are completely burned.
Step 4. Turn off the heat
Let the pieces of board cool down a bit, they need to be cool enough to touch them but not too cold to prevent the plastic from hardening again.
Step 5. Break off the plastic pieces attached to the gold parts
The burning process should have made the board material brittle and easy to break.
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To work safely, wear protective gloves when breaking plastic.
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Warnings
- Handle acids and chemicals with extreme caution. Never touch them with bare hands to avoid severe burns.
- Use acids and chemicals in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhaling the fumes.
- Dispose of chemicals properly. Bring the used acids to a disposal facility.
- Burning plastic can cause severe damage to your lungs and the environment, so do the process with great care and respect for other people.
- Take the pieces of waste burnt plastic to a recycling facility in your area so they can be disposed of properly.
