Magnetite biocomposites for the recovery of gallium

Biocomposites of magnetite nanoparticles in combination with various metal-binding proteins are able to sorb preferentially gallium from less concentrated process wastewater from the semiconductor industry. Subsequent chemical and physical modifications lead to further stabilization of the composites and increase the binding performance. The different biocomposites were compared and evaluated in terms of their binding performance and reusability. Kombucha was used as a sustainable desorbent to replace EDTA.