The Role of Nanoporous Adsorbents in the Circular Economy—Closing the Loop of Critical Materials Recovery

Abstract

Due to the increase in the global population, industrialization, and the transition to climate neutrality through low-emission technologies, the pressure on critical materials (CMs) continues to grow. CMs are defined as materials with a significant risk of supply chain disruption and limited substitutability. In this context, rare-earth elements, platinum group metals, lithium, and cobalt are particularly crucial for the shift to carbon-free economy and sustainability. One of the important strategies to endorse the goal of carbon reduction is to promote the recycling of resources. As a solution, effective recovery strategies have been developed, such as solid-phase separation technologies based on advanced functional sorbents. This perspective article aims to provide a general assessment of the role of porous materials in closing the loop of critical materials recycling. Here, comprehensive insights are provided into recent development, design, and application of porous adsorbents commonly applied in solid-phase extraction systems. Their current research status and problems related to their future application are also highlighted. This review covers recent advances in porous and hierarchical silica-based materials, aerogels, covalent organic frameworks, metal–organic frameworks, and carbon-based adsorbents.