An efficient Two-Chamber Electrodeposition-Electrodialysis combination craft for nickel recovery and phosphorus removal from spent electroless nickel plating bath

Abstract

With the continuous promotion and application of electroless nickel plating technology, the environmental pollution caused by heavy metals nickel and phosphorus in the spent bath becomes more serious. It is challenging to develop a method for the treatment of a spent electroless nickel plating bath with the high-efficiency recovery of Ni2+ and synchronous removal of HPO32-, no secondary pollution, and low energy consumption. Herein, a means that absolutely incorporates the ascendancy of two single treatment methods, called a combination of electrodialysis and electrodeposition, was used to treat the spent electroless nickel plating bath. The effects of current density, operation time, pH value of the spent bath, dilution multiple, flow rate, and electrolyte (Na2SO4) concentration on the recovery, removal rate, and energy consumption were investigated. Then, the reusability of the ion-exchange membrane was studied. The experimental results indicated that the recovery of Ni2+ was 82.34%, the removal of HPO32- was 51.61%, the energy consumption of this method was only 18.28 Wh/kg, and the stability of the anion exchange membrane was desirable. Overall, the study of this combined process provides a basis for the one-step treatment of spent electroless nickel plating bath by a comprehensive method and an idea for engineering the application of handling spent bath.