Smart Determination of Gold Content in PCBs of Waste Mobile Phones by Coupling of XRF and AAS Techniques

Quantitative determination of most economic valuable metals in waste is the first fundamental operation evaluating feasibility recycling processes. Field-portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometers (FPXRFs) represent a more practical, efficient, and tool determining elemental composition samples with respect to conventional analytical techniques, such as atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) inductively coupled plasma emission (ICP). In this paper, quick smart gold content printed circuit boards (PCBs) mobile phones was studied. The aim research combine practicality FPXRFs reliability quantitative analysis evaluate error between two techniques. Several (33) PCBs were ground size below 0.5 mm, then, powders analyzed by at different acquisition times five replications for each sample. same then underwent chemical attack determine AAS. obtained results associated response purpose realizing calibration curve (100–1000 mg/kg Au). validated accuracy precision other samples; control added standards obtain reliable curve. evaluated RPD classification, regression linear, Bolt–Altman analysis.