Advanced treatment of flat panel displays through chemical and biological methods: promises for the future

Abstract The growing demand for electronic devices and the consequent rise in electronic waste underscore the urgent need for sustainable management strategies, particularly for flat panel displays (FPD). This review provides a comprehensive overview of advanced FPD treatment methods that integrate chemical and biological methods, highlighting their potential to advance circular economy practices. The study identifies key target groups in FPD recycling along with their specific requirements, and offers a detailed characterization of FPD, focusing on the composition of display materials, such as indium-tin oxide (ITO) and various organic compounds. Current recycling technologies are reviewed in detail, covering both conventional pretreatment methods and emerging biotechnological solutions. Special emphasis is placed on metal dissolution through hydrometallurgical and biometallurgical processes, followed by recovery techniques employing chemical and biological methods. The paper also addresses critical analytical challenges associated in characterization and monitoring of FPD recycling processes. By integrating biological and chemical approaches, this study outlines a promising route toward more efficient, environmentally friendly, and economically viable FPD recycling, offering valuable guidance for future technological development and policy development, fully in line with circular economy principles.