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[[File:Schematic route followed to generate neat value via pure gold, extracted from food waste (whey) and e-waste as starting source materials.jpg|thumb|Route of extraction and production of the AF aerogel.]]
An '''AF aerogel''' is an [[aerogel]] that uses [[amyloid fibril]]s derived from [[whey]], as an adsorbent for [[Gold extraction|gold recovery]] from [[e-waste]]. A study has demonstrated that AF aerogels have a high capacity for gold [[adsorption]]. Their use would have a less environmental impact than that of the conventional use of [[activated carbon]] as adsorbent.<ref name="Peydayesh2024">{{cite journal |last1=Peydayesh |first1=M |last2=Boschi |first2=E |last3=Donat |first3=F |last4=Mezzenga |first4=R |title=Gold Recovery from E-Waste by Food-Waste Amyloid Aerogels. |journal=Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.) |date=May 2024 |volume=36 |issue=19 |pages=e2310642 |doi=10.1002/adma.202310642 |pmid=38262611|hdl=20.500.11850/658267 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>
==Process==
[[File:Gold nanoparticles and crystal formation using AF aerogels.jpg|thumb|Crystal formation from gold nanoparticles]]
[[Nanofiber|Nanofibrils]] of protein [[amyloid]] derived from [[whey]] is a novel (as of 2023) adsorbent for the extraction of [[gold]] from [[e-waste|electronic waste]]. Prepared AF aerogels have a very high capacity for the adsorption of gold. <ref name="Peydayesh2024"/>
The process begins with the separation of [[amyloid fibril]]s from waste dairy products, and their incorporation into an [[aerogel]]. The AF aerogel is then used in a solvent of dissolved computer [[motherboard]]s (the main [[printed circuit board]] in a computer) to extract the gold contained. Af aerogels can convert gold (Au) ions into single [[crystalline]] flakes. The result is a yield of high purity gold nuggets, equating to around 21-22 [[Karat|carats]], with only trace amounts of other metals present.<ref name="Peydayesh2024"/>
==Economics==
The use of AF aerogels has a profitable profile. It costs just over one dollar to retrieve one gram of gold, and the market value of a gram of gold (as of 2023) is around 50 dollars.<ref name="Peydayesh2024"/>
==Environment==
The use of AF aerogels compares favourably in terms of environmental impact in comparison to the conventional use of activated carbon adsorbents.<ref name="Peydayesh2024"/>
==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Aerogels]]
[[Category:Electronic waste]]
{{improve categories|date=November 2024}}