Fischesserite‐Inspired Recyclable Se‐Polyurethanes for Selective Gold Extraction

Abstract Faced with ever‐severe gold mineral depletion, obtaining a sustainable gold resource by utilization of accumulating waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is of vital importance. Inspired by fischesserite, the first naturally occurring selenide of gold, a novel selenium‐containing polyurethane (Se‐polyurethane) is prepared. This material is able to extract aqueous gold in its elemental form with a selectivity 437 times over Cu²⁺ and 443 times over Ni²⁺ and a capacity of 802 mg gold g^‐1. The extracted gold can be collected through a noncalcination post‐treatment procedure and the Se‐polyurethane can be recycled via a convenient regeneration procedure. Derived from this material, a high‐throughput circulating aqueous gold mining system and a crosslinked Se‐sponge are illustrated to mimic dynamic and static extraction processes, respectively for possible industrialization. These selenium‐containing materials have the potential to be a useful tool in gold extraction to help prevent future resource depletion.