top of page

DEEP EUTECTIC SOLVENTS
(DES)

A new and innovative class of chemistry with unique characteristics and capabilities

Why Develop DES?

​

Sustainable

Low-energy, non-toxic processing to produce low-carbon & low-impact metals

​

Affordable

Cheap, readily available, biodegradable, & recyclable solvents

​

Scalable

Low capital intensity and a small area footprint means the process can be scaled to small and large operations

What is a DES?

​

DES are combinations of two or more components which form a mixture with a melting point lower than that of each component - click for science

 

Metals behave differently in DES than in water-based systems

​

DES components (salts & organic compounds)  are environmentally benign, and many are also biodegradable

Applications

DES  -  A Platform Chemistry

There are millions of possible DES formulations, with each formulation having different properties & attributes suited to a particular task.

 

DES formulations can be customised by adjusting the components and their ratios; creating the opportunity to tailor solutions for a wide range of metals

Metals Proven Amenable To DES

Battery/Critical Metals

Precious Metals

Other Metals

Yet To Be Evaluated

E-waste
Recycling

  • The World's fastest growing waste stream

​

  • Growing to US$82bn annually by 2030

​

  • Many critical and precious metals are contained within e-waste, making e-waste valuable but environmentally hazardous

​

  • The Descycle process has been developed as a disruptive & clean alternative to current high-impact & capital intensive recycling methods 

Recycling & recovery of valuable metals from e-waste

 

Clean, cost-efficient solution to current high-energy & capital intensive recycling methods

Fossil Fuels

E-Waste

Electricity

Sorting & Shredding

Roasting &
Smelting

Cyanide & Refining

Sorting & Shredding

Descycle Process

No Roasting
No Smelting
No Cyanide

Capital Expenditure
$$$ billions

Capital Expenditure
$ millions

DESCYCLE PROCESS

STANDARD PROCESS

Minerals
Processing

  • Descycle is working with multiple metals & mining partners to solve inherent industry problems to supply critical and battery metals that will underpin the transition to a low carbon economy

​

  • Opportunities:

    • Nickel & Cobalt- battery metals

    • Gold - replacing cyanide & toxic solvents

    • Copper & Base Metals - water-free processing

    • Rare Earth Elements - simplify complex processing

bottom of page