A brief review of copper recovery from electroplating sludge

Electroplating sludge is a hazardous waste generated during the chemical treatment of electroplating wastewater and poses a serious threat to the environment due to its high content of heavy metals and toxic organic matter. Copper is a precious metal commonly present in electroplating sludge, and its recovery offers both economic and environmental benefits. This article systematically reviews 30 relevant research articles published since 2010, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of treating copper-containing electroplating sludge using heat treatment, leaching, materialisation, electrochemical methods and ionic liquid approaches. The aim is to provide a reference for selecting the most suitable processes for treating electroplating sludge in future applications, promoting sustainable resource development and the establishment of a circular economy.