A breakthrough in semiconductor water recycling by UTS and IWI Australia offers a smarter way to reduce waste and costs.
The semiconductor industry, essential for powering modern electronics, faces significant environmental challenges due to its substantial water consumption. Manufacturing facilities, known as fabs, utilise vast amounts of ultrapure water to cleanse silicon wafers during production. This process consumes large volumes of water and generates wastewater containing hazardous chemicals.
Addressing this issue, researchers from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), in collaboration with Infinite Water International (IWI) Australia, have developed a groundbreaking catalytic water treatment technology. This innovation aims to enhance water recycling efficiency in chip manufacturing, promoting sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Tackling toxic contaminants
Professor Long Nghiem, Director of the UTS Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater (CTWW), highlights the complexity of semiconductor wastewater, which contains over 100 specialty chemicals. Hydrogen peroxide and triazole are particularly concerning due to their toxicity and resistance to conventional treatment methods.
The newly developed technology employs a catalytic process that breaks down these persistent pollutants. Unlike traditional filtration systems, this method uses an oxidation agent to degrade contaminants, rendering the water safe for reuse or discharge. The system is designed as a plug-and-play unit, easily integrating into existing wastewater infrastructure without necessitating extensive modifications.
Economic and environmental benefits
Matthew Ng, CEO of IWI Australia, emphasised the financial implications of water usage in semiconductor manufacturing. Water management can account for over 10 per cent of a fab’s capital expenditure, amounting to billions of dollars. By implementing this catalytic treatment technology, manufacturers can significantly reduce these costs while minimising their environmental footprint.
The technology has demonstrated remarkable efficiency, removing high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide within minutes and degrading up to 90 per cent of triazole in an hour. These results promise substantial cost savings and contribute to the industry’s sustainability goals.
Industry adoption and future prospects
Two of the world’s leading logic chip manufacturers are currently evaluating this technology for their wastewater operations. The adoption of such innovative solutions is crucial as the industry strives to balance escalating demand with environmental responsibility.
This catalytic treatment system represents a significant advancement in sustainable manufacturing practices. It facilitates the recycling of up to 90 per cent of the water used in chip production. It offers a practical approach for the semiconductor industry to mitigate its environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.
The collaboration between UTS and IWI Australia exemplifies how academic research and industry partnerships can drive technological innovations that address pressing environmental challenges. As the semiconductor industry continues to expand, integrating such sustainable solutions will be vital in ensuring a balance between technological progress and environmental stewardship.
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