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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Synthesis of Nine-atom Deltahedral Zintl Ions of Germanium and their Functionalization with Organic Groups
Published on: February 11, 2012
Thermodynamic analysis and extraction and recovery of germanium from germanium-containing materials: A review
Jinxiang You1, Zhao Wei1, Yaowen Xing1
1State Key Laboratory of Coking Coal Resources Green Exploitation, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center of Coal Preparation and Purification, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, China.
Abstract:
Germanium is a strategic and critical metal and an indispensable raw material for the development of high-tech industries. Recently, with the advent of 5th generation mobile communication technology (5G) and artificial intelligence (AI) eras, the germanium consumption for optical fiber and semiconductor chip is anticipated to increase rapidly, driving robust demand for germanium. Germanium has been recovered as a by-product from lead-zinc smelting and coal-combustion power generation processes. In order to alleviate supply pressure of germanium, recycling germanium from germanium-containing secondary resources (e. g. chlorination distillation residue, optical fiber scraps, spent solar panels and electronic waste) has gradually garnered widespread attention. In this work, the germanium resources features, production & consumption, thermodynamic basis for germanium extraction, corresponding extraction and recovery technologies and deep extraction and purification of germanium from the lixivium are reviewed. Detailed analysis and discussions are conducted in thermodynamic analysis and recycling methods to provide beneficial advice for environmental protection and technology improvement of germanium recovery. Besides, the existing recycling processes are introduced and compared according to their advantages and disadvantages. And some recommendations are provided for the extraction and recovery of germanium.
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