Abstract
An innovative and environmentally friendly lead-acid battery paste recycling method is proposed. The reductive sulfur-fixing recycling technique was used to simultaneously extract lead and immobilize sulfur. SO2 emissions and pollution were significantly eliminated. In this work, the detailed lead extraction and sulfur-fixing mechanisms in the PbSO4-Fe3O4-Na2CO3-C system were investigated thermodynamically and experimentally, and the phase transformation and microstructural evolution processes characterized. In addition, a series of bench-scale pilot experiments were carried out to confirm the feasibility of the technique. The results show that the lead extraction and sulfur-fixing reactions followed the shrinking unreacted-core model. The recycling products were separated into three distinct layers: slag, matte, and crude lead bullion. Primary recoveries of 96.2% for lead and 98.9% for sulfur were obtained. The purity of the crude lead bullion was 98.6 wt.%. Sulfur was fixed in the solidified matte as FeS and NaFeS2.
Highlights
Spent lead-acid batteries (LABs) are widely scrapped from automobiles and electric bicycles in urban areas
The reported amounts of scrap LAB annually in China total more than 2.6 million metric tons.[1,2]
Secondary lead produced by recycling is gradually dominating the world’s lead market.[4]
Summary
Spent lead-acid batteries (LABs) are widely scrapped from automobiles and electric bicycles in urban areas. The reported amounts of scrap LAB annually in China total more than 2.6 million metric tons.[1,2] LABs are a solid waste and classified as hazardous materials in many countries. Their disposal has become a significant environmental concern.[3] Recycling and reuse of LABs are attracting great attention from both the public and materials processing industry. Scrap LABs have become a significant secondary lead source worldwide.[1] Secondary lead produced by recycling is gradually dominating the world’s lead market.[4] Typically, a spent LAB consists of four components: waste electrolyte
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