Seznam abstraktů 2026: PLENÁRNÍ SEKCE

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) remains a cornerstone of materials science, offering unparalleled insight into micro- and nanoscale structures. Today, cutting-edge advancements are redefining its capabilities. The use of slow and ultra-slow electrons enables exceptional surface sensitivity while minimizing beam-induced damage—critical for fragile and nanoscale materials. At the same time, advanced signal electron filtering provides precise control over contrast mechanisms, allowing selective extraction of topographical, compositional, crystallographic, and near-surface information.

Coupled with modern, high-efficiency detection systems, these innovations significantly enhance signal quality, discrimination, and multimodal analysis. The result is a more comprehensive and reliable characterization of complex material systems than ever before. This presentation explores the principles and practical advantages of these advanced SEM techniques, demonstrating how low-energy operation and intelligent detection strategies are transforming the study of surfaces, interfaces, thin films, nanostructures, and functional materials.

The rapid growth in the consumption and global distribution of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) has led to a significant increase in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), currently recognized as one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide. Technological innovation and market globalization have shortened the average lifespan of electronic devices from approximately 4-6 years at the end of the 20th century to nearly 2 years in the early 21st century, further accelerating the generation of e-waste. At the same time, WEEE represents a rich secondary source of valuable metals, including copper, iron, zinc, tin, nickel, aluminum, gold, silver, and palladium, as well as critical raw materials such as rare earth elements.
Particular attention is given to printed circuit boards (PCBs) from mobile phones, which serve as carriers of numerous strategic and precious metals. The concentration of certain metals in PCBs often exceeds that found in conventional ores, making PCB waste an especially attractive material for recycling and urban mining. The recovery of these metals is essential for reducing dependence on primary mineral resources, mitigating the environmental impacts associated with conventional mining, and supporting the transition toward a circular economy.
This presentation reviews the main technological approaches used in metal recovery from WEEE, including mechanical pre-treatment, pyrometallurgical processes, hydrometallurgical extraction, and biohydrometallurgical methods. Biohydrometallurgy, based on the use of microorganisms to mobilize and solubilize metals through bioleaching processes, is gaining increasing attention as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional techniques. Compared to traditional methods, biohydrometallurgical processes offer lower energy consumption, reduced chemical usage, and potentially lower environmental impact, although challenges remain in terms of process kinetics, selectivity, and industrial scalability.
The hydrometallurgical aspects are discussed in detail based on the authors’ own experimental research, focusing on leaching efficiency, process parameters optimization, and metal recovery yields from mobile phone PCB waste. The recovery process typically involves a combination of physical, chemical, thermal, and metallurgical operations. Among the available technologies, pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods remain the most widely applied; however, no single approach is sufficient to ensure efficient and selective metal recovery. Therefore, integrated processing routes combining conventional and biohydrometallurgical techniques are considered the most promising strategy.
The advantages and limitations of each method are discussed in terms of recovery efficiency, environmental performance, economic feasibility, and scalability. Particular attention is given to the technical challenges related to the complex and heterogeneous composition of electronic waste, the presence of hazardous substances, and the need for efficient separation and purification stages. The analysis highlights the importance of integrating advanced recycling technologies with appropriate regulatory frameworks and eco-design strategies to improve metal recovery rates. Enhancing the efficiency of WEEE recycling systems is crucial for securing access to critical raw materials and promoting sustainable resource management in modern economies.