Before exploring the recycling and utilization of germanium waste, we first need to understand the diverse sources of germanium waste. These sources not only cover waste materials in the semiconductor industry production process, but also involve multiple high-tech and new energy fields. Below, we will analyze in detail the sources and recycling value of germanium waste.

1、 Semiconductor industry waste

The semiconductor industry is one of the main sources of germanium waste. During the production of polycrystalline silicon germanium and monocrystalline silicon germanium, a large amount of waste is generated. These wastes are rich in germanium elements, but due to process requirements and product standards, they are often considered as "waste". However, in reality, the germanium content in these wastes is quite considerable and has extremely high recycling value. In addition, due to various reasons, a certain amount of germanium may remain in silicon germanium materials during transportation, storage, and recycling, which also constitute an important source of germanium waste. Among them, polycrystalline silicon germanium waste accounts for the majority of the proportion, as the amount of waste generated during its production process is relatively large.

2、 High speed germanium alloy production waste

In addition to the semiconductor industry, the production of high-speed germanium alloys is also an important source of germanium waste. High speed germanium alloys have excellent physical and chemical properties and are widely used in aerospace, nuclear industry, medical equipment and other fields. However, during the production process, a certain amount of waste may be generated due to process control, equipment wear, and other reasons. These wastes also contain a high proportion of germanium element, which has value for recycling and utilization.

3、 Waste materials from industries such as high-efficiency glass, optical optoelectronics, and solar cells

With the continuous development of technology, the demand for germanium materials in industries such as high-efficiency glass, optical optoelectronics, and solar cells is increasing day by day. In these industries, germanium materials are widely used to manufacture high-performance glass products, optical components, solar panels, and so on. However, during the production process, due to various reasons such as process adjustments, equipment updates, etc., a certain amount of waste may also be generated. These wastes also contain germanium element, although the content may be relatively low, it accumulates in small amounts and has significant recycling value that cannot be ignored.

4、 The recycling value of germanium waste

The recycling value of germanium waste mainly depends on its purity. The higher the purity of germanium waste, the higher its recycling value. At present, the value of pure germanium in the market has exceeded tens of thousands of yuan. Therefore, for waste materials containing high-purity germanium elements, professional recycling and processing techniques can effectively extract the germanium elements, and then refine and process them to obtain high-purity germanium products. These products can not only be used for the re production of high value-added products such as semiconductor materials and high-speed germanium alloys, but also serve as important raw materials in fields such as new energy and new materials.