Keywords
Abstract
Hot-dip galvanizing flue dust (GFD) is a hazardous by-product generated during steel galvanizing processes, characterized by fine particle size, high zinc content, and complex chemical composition. Despite its relatively low generation volume, GFD represents a valuable secondary resource due to its zinc concentration reaching up to 45 wt.%. This study presents a comprehensive review of existing experimental investigations on the characterization, hydrometallurgical processing, and advanced material valorization of galvanizing flue dust. Detailed physicochemical analyses reveal that zinc is primarily present in chloride- and ammonium-based phases, which exhibit high reactivity in acidic leaching systems. Hydrometallurgical treatment using hydrochloric and sulfuric acids enables zinc recovery efficiencies exceeding 95% under optimized conditions, supported by thermodynamic feasibility analyses. Beyond conventional metal recovery, leachates derived from GFD have been successfully utilized as precursors for the synthesis of ZnO ceramic nanofibers via electrospinning and calcination. The influence of leaching media on nanofiber morphology is discussed, highlighting opportunities for tailoring material properties. These findings demonstrate that combining zinc recovery with functional material synthesis offers a sustainable, circular-economy-oriented pathway for minimizing hazardous waste disposal and enhancing resource efficiency in the galvanizing industry.