Fabrication of electro-conductive thin films of nanoparticles and MXene sheets using reclaimed Zn, Mn, and C from spent batteries

Abstract

Farseeing sustainable consumption concept, major parts of zinc‑carbon battery i.e. zinc, manganese and central graphite rod were up cycled. Low temperature roasting technique was employed for the extraction of zinc and manganese. Optimization of multiple parameters was meticulously adjusted that resulted in the recovery of 99 % Zn and Mn. Respective nanoparticles were derived from leached solutions that were characterized through XRD, FESEM-EDX and further employed in fabrication of semi-conductive thin films via Layer by Layer technique. Central carbon rod of spent cells and recycled aluminum were incorporated for the synthesis of MAX phase composite followed by its conversion to MXene sheets. The MAX phase composites symbolized as MAX/Al2Ti-800 and MAX/Al2Ti-900 were successfully prepared at relatively lower temperatures i.e. 800 °C and 900 °C respectively. The prepared composites were further etched via MILD method for preparation of MXene800 and MXene900 derived from MAX/Al2Ti-800 and MAX/Al2Ti-900 and were characterized using XRD and SEM. Presence of Al2Ti within MXene800 made it quite stable against hydrolysis as depicted by Raman and UV–visible spectra. Electrical conductivity of MXene800 measured by resistance meter was 3.9 × 102 S/cm; moreover, MXene800 was tailored in free-standing thin films having architecture [CNER-MXene800@PVC] that showed significant thermal resistance as well as exhibit semi-conductive nature.