Merging Solid State and Coordination Chemistry: Toward a Closed Loop in Transition-Metal Complex Recycling

Abstract This study showcases a method for recovering transition-metal (TM) precursors from TM coordination complex solid waste generated in an undergraduate inorganic chemistry laboratory and reusing them as starting precursors to again form the same respective complexes. To achieve this goal, solid-state chemistry techniques like calcination, acid dissolution, and precipitation are applied by which TM oxides and halides can be regenerated from solid wastes of TM coordination complexes. This method marks our contribution toward accomplishing a circular economy by leveraging hazardous solid waste as valuable resources, providing environmental sustainability and economic benefits.