Core Viewpoint - The efficient recycling of iridium in the precious metal recovery sector is a key technological focus, driven by its high density and resistance to high temperatures and corrosion, making it valuable in aerospace, electronics, and chemical catalysis [1][3]. Group 1: Physical Separation - Ensuring iridium materials are free from contaminating impurities is the starting point of the recycling process [1]. - The physical separation process employs a combination of "multi-stage screening + high-temperature pyrolysis" to remove mechanical impurities and organic contaminants, enhancing the initial purity of iridium from 60-75% to over 85% [1]. Group 2: Chemical Extraction - After physical separation, iridium still contains impurities such as platinum and rhodium, requiring chemical methods for atomic-level purification [3]. - The chemical extraction process involves "concentrated nitric acid dissolution - complex separation - electrochemical reduction," achieving a current efficiency of over 92% and producing sponge iridium with a purity exceeding 99.5% [3]. Group 3: Refining and Purification - Even after the first two processes, trace impurities may remain, necessitating electrochemical refining to achieve "self-purification" [5]. - The refining process can elevate iridium purity to over 99.99% while simultaneously recovering platinum group metals, with a recovery rate exceeding 98% [5]. Group 4: Technological Value and Industry Outlook - The "physical - chemical - electrochemical" three-tier recycling system creates a complete technical chain from impurity separation to atomic purification, overcoming energy consumption issues of traditional methods and waste liquid treatment challenges [7]. - With the surge in demand for iridium driven by emerging industries such as 5G communication and hydrogen energy catalysis, this technology is poised to support the closed-loop utilization of precious metal resources [7][8]. - Future advancements, including microwave-assisted dissolution and ionic liquid extraction, are expected to further enhance the efficiency and purity of iridium recovery, promoting the development of a higher-level circular economy [8].