Germanium (Ge), a key semiconducting element, plays an essential role in industries ranging from fiber optics to solar cells. China, which produces 68% of the world's refined Ge, faces an unsustainable production model primarily dependent on zinc refining and coal ash. With global recovery rates of only 3%-5%, the country faces a growing demand-supply imbalance. This situation calls for urgent research to explore ways to enhance recycling and optimize resource use within the Ge supply chain.
Published (DOI: 10.1007/s11783-025-1945-3) in Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering on December 9, 2024, a study by Tsinghua University provides a comprehensive analysis of China's Ge flow system. The research uses substance flow analysis to project germanium demand and supply scenarios through 2050, showing a sharp increase in demand, particularly in the infrared optics and solar cell industries. The findings highlight an impending crisis, with the potential for a significant supply shortfall by 2040.
The study projects that by 2050, China's demand for Ge will soar to between 164–187 tons, driven by infrared optics, which will account for 62% of total demand, and solar cells at 24%. Despite recycling efforts, which could cover only 30% of the demand, supply gaps remain significant. The study predicts that while primary Ge production may reach 220 tons by 2050, nearly 80% of this will be consumed domestically. Current production and recycling systems are insufficient to meet future demand, and without advanced extraction and recycling technologies, a critical shortage is expected by 2040. Fiber optics and infrared optics offer the most promise for recycling, though current recovery rates remain low.
"Germanium is a critical metal with no easy substitutes in many high-tech applications," said Dr. Xianlai Zeng, lead author of the study. "Our findings underline the urgent need for better recycling technologies and more strategic resource management to ensure a stable supply. If we don't make significant strides, we risk facing a severe shortage that could disrupt multiple high-tech industries."
The study’s results have important implications for policymakers and industry leaders alike. To prevent a Ge crisis, the research recommends enhancing extraction and refining technologies to increase recovery rates. It also suggests focusing recycling efforts on infrared optics and fiber optics, which are projected to make up nearly 60% and 10% of the total scrap volume by 2050. The study advocates for policies that incentivize Ge recycling, such as tax breaks or subsidies for specialized enterprises. Additionally, integrating Ge recycling with other critical metals like gallium and rare earth elements could help mitigate global supply risks and support the transition to a circular economy.
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References
DOI
10.1007/s11783-025-1945-3
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-025-1945-3
Funding information
The work was financially supported by the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (No. 92062111) and the National Key Technology R&D Program of China (No. 2019YFC1908501).
About Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering
Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering (FESE) is the leading edge forum for peer-reviewed original submissions in English on all main branches of environmental disciplines. FESE welcomes original research papers, review articles, short communications, and views & comments. All the papers will be published within 6 months after they are submitted. The Editors-in-Chief are Academician Jiuhui Qu from Tsinghua University, and Prof. John C. Crittenden from Georgia Institute of Technology, USA. The journal has been indexed by almost all the authoritative databases such as SCI, EI, INSPEC, SCOPUS, CSCD, etc.