Proper Recycling Research Articles

Overview on the environmental impact of used engine oil

Abstract The environmental impact of used engine oil encompasses multifaceted repercussions on soil, water, and air quality, constituting a significant concern in contemporary environmental discourse. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the harmful effects deriving from the improper disposal and leakage of used engine oil. Soil contamination occurs when toxic substances like heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other hazardous substances are introduced into the soil, disrupting microbial communities, soil structure, and nutrient cycles. Concurrently, water bodies face contamination through runoff and direct discharge, leading to aquatic ecosystem disruption, bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms, and potential harm to human health. Furthermore, volatilization and incomplete combustion of used engine oil contribute to air pollution, releasing harmful gases and particulate matter, exacerbating respiratory ailments and contributing to global climate change. Mitigation strategies, including proper recycling, disposal protocols, and adoption of cleaner technologies, are imperative to alleviate the environmental burden posed by used engine oil. By synthesizing current research findings and highlighting the interconnectedness of soil, water, and air pollution, this article underscores the urgency for holistic approaches in addressing the environmental impact of used engine oil, emphasizing the imperative of sustainable practices to safeguard ecosystems and public health.

Electrochemical Behavior Variation of Graphite/LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 Cells during Overdischarge

As the demand for secondary batteries surges with the growth of the electric vehicle market, challenges related to the disposal and recycling of used batteries are escalating. Proper recycling of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) necessitates the implementation of an efficient discharge process to deplete their stored energy. Successful disposal and disassembly hinge on conducting a thorough discharge, including deep overdischarge, to effectively eliminate stored energy.This study aims to provide a thorough comparative analysis of the electrochemical behavior of lithium-ion batteries during overdischarge. Coin-type full cells were fabricated using the commonly employed graphite negative electrode and LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622) positive electrode, and their electrochemical behavior during overdischarge and forced discharge was evaluated by constant current, constant current/voltage discharge, and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT).Cells were manufactured with varying electrode compositions, N/P ratios, degrees of deterioration, etc., and their electrochemical behavior during overdischarge was compared. Additionally, the evaluation was conducted using various current magnitudes, application methods, and temperature conditions. While minor discrepancies in electrochemical characteristics emerged during spontaneous discharge up to 0 V, variations in cell configuration and evaluation conditions induced differing behaviors during forced discharge below 0 V. These findings contribute to a better understanding of battery overdischarge behavior and offer fundamental insights for developing an efficient overdischarge process in battery recycling.

E-waste in the environment: Unveiling the sources, carcinogenic links, and sustainable management strategies

E-waste refers to the electrical and electronic equipment discarded without the intent of reuse or at the end of its functional lifespan. In 2022, approximately 62 billion kg of e-waste, equivalent to 7.8 kg per capita, was generated globally. With an alarming annual growth of approximately 2 million metric tonnes, e-waste production may exceed 82 billion kg by 2030. Improper disposal of e-waste can be detrimental to human health and the entire biosphere. E-waste encompasses a wide range of materials, including heavy metals, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Polychlorinated Dibenzo-dioxins and -furans (PCDD/Fs), Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), and radioactive elements. E-waste, when disposed inappropriately can directly contaminate the aquatic and terrestrial environment, leading to human exposure through ingestion, inhalation, dermal absorption, and trans-placental transfer. These detrimental contaminants can directly enter the human body from the environment and may fuel carcinogenesis by modulating cell cycle proteins, redox homeostasis, and mutations. Heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, arsenic, lead, chromium, and nickel, along with organic pollutants like PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs, PFAS, and radioactive elements, play a crucial role in inducing malignancy. Effective collection, sorting, proper recycling, and appropriate disposal techniques are essential to reduce environmental contamination with e-waste-derived chemicals. Hence, this comprehensive review aims to unravel the global environmental burden of e-waste and its links to carcinogenesis in humans. Furthermore, it provides an inclusive discussion on potential treatment approaches to minimize environmental e-waste contamination.

High-selective platinum and palladium capture using polyamide 6: A potent material for platinum group metals’ recovery from spent car catalytic converter

Platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd) are commonly integrated into automotive catalytic converters to convert harmful emissions into relatively safer substances. Their scarcity has resulted in the rapid development of an industry focused on their recovery. Polyamide 6 (PA6), a microplastic pollutant, is a common industrial material. Proper recycling of PA6 can mitigate the environmental impact caused by its microplastic pollution. This work revealed the capability of PA6 in recovering Pt and Pd from solution. Experimental data demonstrated that PA6 recovered about 90% of Pt and 70% of Pd. Importantly, PA6, without any functionalization or modification, adsorbed Pt and Pd without adsorbing present competing metals, exhibiting notably greater recovery selectivity towards Pt and Pd than materials discussed in other works. Furthermore, approximately 81% of Pt and 83% of Pd could be desorbed from PA6 as noted by the desorption studies. After obtaining fitted results using empirical equations and surface group identification, chelation and electrostatic interaction were discerned to be the key pathways for Pt and Pd recovery. This study represents a novel investigation into PA6's adsorption selectivity for Pt and Pd, through which experimental results confirm PA6's potential as a practical, environmentally-friendly alternative for Pt and Pd recovery, distinguishing it from its conventional counterparts.

Amelioration of Soil Fertility by the Application of Different Fruit Waste Composts

The soil health status of Bangladesh decreased day by day, particularly organic matter and major nutrient content. The organic matter content in most of the agricultural soil in Bangladesh is <2%, which indicates poor soil health condition. In Bangladesh, almost every day, an enormous amount of waste material is produced from different kinds of seasonal and unseasonal fruit’s peels. Lack of proper recycling methods, most of these wastes are thrown away in drains, cannels, rivers, etc. which indicates a major threat to environmental safety. Composts derived from the wastes of different fruit’s peels can be an excellent source of organic matter and essential nutrients for soil health improvement. Therefore, the present study was carried out to evaluate the changes in physicochemical properties and nutrient contents of experimental soil treated with compost prepared from different types of fruit’s waste. The compost was prepared accordingly using different types of fruits waste and then the collected compost was thoroughly mixed with the soil and kept for six months. The experimental treatment consisted of three organic composts (jackfruit peel compost, mango peel compost, and banana peel compost) and three rates of application (1000, 1500, and 2000 kg ha-1). The experiment was arranged in a factorial completely randomized design and replicated thrice. The analyzed data showed that, the physicochemical properties and nutrient contents of experimental soil varied significantly with the use of different types of fruit’s wastes compared to no waste added soil, except in the case of particle size. Soil mixed with mango peel compost at a rate of 2000 kg ha-1 resulted in a higher available N content (2520 mg kg-1) and available P content (42.56 mg kg-1), whereas the available K content (219.88 mg kg-1), EC (1.55 dS m-1) and CEC (1209.56 meq 100g-1) were found higher in soil treated with banana peel compost of 2000 kg ha-1. On the other hand, soil treated with jackfruit peel compost of 1500 kg ha-1 showed the higher available Ca content (1533.33 mg kg-1) and the jackfruit peel compost of 2000 kg ha-1 resulted in the higher organic carbon (1.98%) and organic matter (3.41%). The findings of this experiment revealed that, compost prepared from different types of fruit peels can be an excellent source of organic matter and nutrients and among the tested composts, mango peel compost was better to improve the physiochemical properties of soil and supply sufficient nutrients for plant growth.

GREEN ECONOMY DENGAN PENGELOLAAN LIMBAH BERBASIS ILMU PENGETAHUAN DAN TEKNOLOGI PADA BANK SAMPAH 3G

Garbage remains a significant issue in Greenary Permai Bojong Gede Housing, leading to an unhealthy environment, particularly when waste collection is inconsistent. In response, the 3G waste bank initiated several waste reduction activities. However, progress has been slow due to limited waste management knowledge, incomplete equipment, low community awareness, and manual record-keeping. To address these challenges, training was provided on managing organic and plastic waste, and repurposing used cooking oil into candles and soap. Financial application training was also given to improve the recording process. The goal was to enable the community and partners to adopt a small-scale waste management system and integrate it into daily habits. Using Participatory Action Research (PAR), community members, including waste bank administrators, were directly involved in hands-on training to ensure participants understood the objectives. Since the socialization of this initiative in April 2024, significant progress has been made. Questionnaire results showed 95% of participants understood the activity's purpose. Monitoring and evaluation revealed that residents and partners have successfully adopted composting, ecobrick-making, and proper recycling of used cooking oil into candles or soap, demonstrating sustainable practices and optimal use of the financial applications.

Progress in direct recycling of spent lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) cathodes

With the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in portable electronics and electric vehicles (EVs), the end-of-life (EOL) LIBs are projected to reach 1336 GWh by 2040 under the sustainable development scenario. Proper recycling is urgently needed to minimize the release of hazardous waste and reduce mining activities by reintroducing critical minerals into the supply chain. Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNixMnyCozO2, NMCs) cathodes have become dominant in the LIB market, especially with the increasing production of EVs, which are also the most valuable components in EOL LIBs. Unlike pyrometallurgical and/or hydrometallurgical methods, which convert spent NMCs into metals or metal compounds, direct recycling technologies aim to maximize the value of spent cathodes by restoring their degraded structure and composition. This review summarizes direct recycling methods for NMC cathodes published in the last decade and provides insights into the challenges and future development of direct recycling techniques.

End-of-life options for printed electronics in municipal solid waste streams: a review of the challenges, opportunities, and sustainability implications

Abstract Although printed electronics (PE) are a more sustainable option than conventional electronics, proper treatment of PE in their end-of-life phase is crucial to decrease their overall environmental impacts and ensure the materials specifically the metal fraction of PE are recovered. Thus, to investigate the state of the art regarding the research and development of material recovery from PE, this study performed a literature review process. It concluded that the majority of the observed articles rather not mention specifically what is recycling option for recycling the PE or introduced a novel recycling method for the metal ink. Only a marginal fraction of the articles covered proper recycling methods for the metal fraction of PE. Then based on the literature review process, this study investigates the suitability of the current waste management system to recover different fractions of PE products.

Technoeconomic feasibility of producing clean fuels from waste plastics: A novel process model

Plastic waste is a problematic issue impacting the environment and human health. A proper recycling of plastics to valuable products is highly needed to meet the increase in energy demand. Plastics have high heating value; therefore, the thermochemical recycling of plastic waste is a valid and feasible approach. Recently, ethanol has attracted wide applications such as the conversion of ethanol to olefins, and hydrocarbons. It burns completely and cleanly, where it reduces the emissions of greenhouses compared to the usual fuels. Hydrogen and other higher hydrocarbons are also crucial in meeting the energy demand. In this study, the plastic waste, mainly polyethylene and polypropylene (due to their availability) were gasified using steam gasification process to produce syngas which then was further processed to hydrogen, ethanol, and other valuable liquid hydrocarbons. An alternative design is constructed integrating steam methane reforming (SMR) with plastic gasification to utilize the heat at the outlet of the gasifier and to enhance the syngas heating value. The two models were compared in terms of syngas heating value, energy analysis and economic analysis. The main parameters that have been evaluated are the production rate of fuel per total feedstock, total required heat, overall process efficiency, and fuel levelized production cost. The results indicated that Case 2 generates syngas with a higher heating value of 55 %, produces four times more H2, and comparable amount of ethanol and other fuels than Case 1. The analysis also revealed that Case 2 has a process efficiency that is 3 % better and a 37.5 % lower fuel production cost than Case 1. Overall, the design of Case 2 was found to be more efficient and cost-effective than the Case 1 design.

Sorption of Iodine on Biochar Derived from the Processing of Urban Sludge and Garden Waste at Different Pyrolysis Temperatures.

The United Nations proposed the Sustainable Development Goals with the aim to make human settlements in cities resilient and sustainable. The excessive discharge of urban waste including sludge and garden waste can pollute groundwater and lead to the emission of greenhouse gases (e.g., CH4). The proper recycling of urban waste is essential for responsible consumption and production, reducing environmental pollution and addressing climate change issues. This study aimed to prepare biochar with high adsorption amounts of iodine using urban sludge and peach wood from garden waste. The study was conducted to examine the variations in the mass ratio between urban sludge and peach wood (2/1, 1/1, and 1/2) as well as pyrolysis temperatures (300 °C, 500 °C, and 700 °C) on the carbon yield and adsorption capacities of biochar. Scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, powder X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis were used to characterize the biochar produced at different pyrolysis temperatures and mass ratios. The results indicate that the carbon yield of biochar was found to be the highest (>60%) at a pyrolysis temperature of 300 °C across different pyrolysis temperatures. The absorbed amounts of iodine in the aqueous solution ranged from 86 to 223 mg g-1 at a mass ratio of 1:1 between urban sludge and peach wood, which were comparably higher than those observed in other mass ratios. This study advances water treatment by offering a cost-effective method by using biochar derived from the processing of urban sludge and garden waste.

Recyclability and ecological-economic analysis of a simple photovoltaic panel

Photovoltaic industry has displayed an exponential expansion rate over the past two decades. Currently, 1185 GW of the global electricity demand is derived from photovoltaic (PV) panels with more to come in the next two decades. With the growing installment rate, a concern regarding managing panels that reached the end of their life-span grows. Despite the fact that the approximate life-span of a panel is 25 years, oftentimes this interval is shortened due to weather conditions, low-quality installations, and poor maintenance. Therefore, a global attention is focused on research and law-regulation of proper recycling and disposal of the PV waste. In this contribution, recyclability of one PV panel is determined upon subjecting it to the simplest recycling process, which is manual mechanical separation using common hand-tools. In addition, an ecological-economic analysis of the panel, which yields an absolute profit of the panel is presented.

Sustainable environmental technology to reclaim copper from industrial effluent

ABSTRACT Electronic manufacturing industries use copper in highest proportion in metals due to its unique properties. But there is a gap in demand and supply of this metal to the industry due to its huge requirement and lack of its proper recycling of copper containing equipments. Also, effluent generated from these industries carries substantial amount of this metal, which get discharged, and loss of metals to the environment. Present paper discusses about valuable copper metal recovery from industrial effluent in powder form using novel process flow-sheet. At start, bio-adsorptiontechnique was used to recover copper from industrial effluent due to its advantages like low cost, feasible method showing faster kinetics. Datura root powder was found to be potential bio-adsorbent for copper recovery from effluent having 997 mg/g adsorption capacity. It follows second-order rate reaction and Freundlich adsorption isotherm with 0.9711 regression coefficient. Further, copper-enriched solution obtained from this technique was subjected to cementation process using scrap iron rods to get copper powder. This can be used to produce value added products using its ingots. This is one of the approaches towards waste to wealth creation having tremendous potential to get commercialized.

A comprehensive study on the fire resistance properties of ultra-fine ceramic waste-filled high alkaline white cement paste composites for progressing towards sustainability

The most practical sustainable development options to safeguard the local ecology involve reducing the use of raw materials and guaranteeing proper recycling of the principal destroyed solid wastes. Preventing the creation of hazardous waste and the subsequent pollution that results from improper disposal is a top priority. Based on this, the study's authors recommend reusing the ultra-fine ceramic shards (CW). High-alkaline white cement (WC) has been partially replaced by ultra-fine CW because it is a cheaper, more abundant, and more lasting environmental material used in the production of trendy blended white cement pastes composites. In this context, we look at ultra-fine CW, a material that has been suggested for use as a hydraulic filler due to its high performance, physicomechanical qualities, and durability. XRF, XRD, FTIR, and SEM measurements are used to characterize the microstructure, thermal characteristics, and thermodynamics. Because of the effect of ultra-fine ceramic waste, the firing test reduces the mechanical strength by default, but with active filler, decreases slowly and increase its physicomechanical features and compressive strength compared to the control sample (WC), setting a new benchmark. The maximum amount of crystallization formed in the presence of ultra-fine ceramic waste in WC-matrix, resulting in a decrease in total porosity and early cracking. Together, the improved workability and energy-saving features of cement blends with ultra-fine ceramic waste, reflect their economic and environmental benefits, which may reduce building costs and boost the durability of the raw materials used in the mix.

Case study: The paper and packaging board’s highly successful experiential activation

Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, and there is starting to be a shift in consciousness that is putting pressure on both individuals and organisations to share responsibilities and intervene. This paper will explore how the Paper and Packaging Board (P+PB) and its partner Stein IAS found the most successful strategies to educate as many consumers as possible on the best ways to recycle paper and paper-based packaging. They realised that in order to communicate with consumers effectively and economically, a traditional business-to-consumer framework would not suffice. Instead, P+PB and Stein IAS embarked on a mission to follow a B2B2C framework, focusing on engaging packaging manufacturers and their e-commerce clients to reach a broader consumer audience. They understood that they had to convince box manufacturers and e-commerce brands to join the programme, known as ‘Box to Nature’, which aimed to inspire consumers to recycle boxes correctly, emphasising the exponential effect of proper recycling. The strategy involved showing up where the majority of the target audience was engaged, creating a relevant and bold experience. The launch of the initiative at PACK EXPO, one of the industry’s largest trade shows, was a significant step in this direction. The team found a unique, powerful and relevant way to connect with the desired audience in unexpected ways, resulting in a big success that has led to a significant increase in the number of organisations wanting to join the programme.

State of the field of domestic solid waste management in Ukraine

It was determined that the current state of the field of solid household waste management in Ukraine is: focused on the landfilling of solid household waste, its placement in landfills and spontaneous landfills, most of which do not meet the requirements of environmental safety; is characterized by the lack of opportunities for separate collection and processing of solid household waste; has a low technological level and a low level of implementation of innovative technologies; is characterized by the lack of a proper recycling system (including a separate collection system); limited by approaches to making complex management decisions and financial resources. It has been established that the outdated methods of managing this area, as well as the lack of a comprehensive solid waste management system, is the main problem for Ukraine, which negatively affects the environment and the health of the population. Solving this problem largely depends on state policy, legislative innovations and specific financial and economic mechanisms approved at the national level. The main priorities for changes in solid waste management policy are outlined. It has been established that the development of national legislation in the field of waste management, including solid household waste, is taking place in Ukraine. In particular, the National Waste Management Strategy until 2030, the National Waste Management Plan until 2030, the Law of Ukraine “On Waste Management” was adopted, which indicates the implementation of the basic principles and provisions of European legislation in the field of waste management, including solid household waste.

Shiitake spent mushroom substrate as a sustainable feedstock for developing highly efficient nitrogen-doped biochars for treatment of dye-contaminated water

Edible white-rot mushrooms are organisms that are cultivated at an industrial scale using wood-based substrates. The mushroom industry has an estimated annual production of 34 Mt of edible mushrooms, and approximately 70 wt% of the substrate is left as waste known as spent mushroom substrate (SMS). The huge volumes of SMS generated by mushroom farms hinder proper recycling, meaning that combustion or open-field burning are common disposal practices. This paper shows a concept that could help reduce the environmental impact of the mushroom industry. SMS from the cultivation of shiitake mushroom was used as a carbon precursor for the production of nitrogen-doped activated biochar that was used to remove reactive orange-16 (RO-16) azo dye from water, as well as contaminants from two synthetic effluents and real sewage water. Melamine was used as a nitrogen dopant and phosphoric acid as an activating agent. Samples without the addition of melamine were used for comparison. The doping/impregnation process was carried out in one-step, followed by pyrolysis at 700 and 900 °C for 1 h. BET, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for the characterization of the biochars. The specific surface area of the doped samples was slightly lower, i.e., 1011 m2/g (SMS-700 °C), 810 m2/g (SMS-700 °C + N), 1095 m2/g (SMS-900 °C), and 943 m2/g (SMS-900 °C + N). Raman spectroscopic analysis showed that the N-doped biochars had more defective carbon structures than the non-doped ones. XPS analysis showed that doping with melamine led to the formation of N-functionalities on the surface of the biochar particles. The kinetics of adsorption were well represented by the Avrami model. The adsorption isotherms were well-fitted by the Liu model. The maximum adsorption capacities (qmax) of RO-16 were much higher for the N-doped biochars, i.e., 120 mg/g (SMS-700 °C), 216 mg/g (SMS-700 °C + N), 168 mg/g (SMS-900 °C), and 393 mg/g (SMS-900 °C + N). N-doped biochar samples were more effective for the removal of contaminants from synthetic effluents and sewage water. N-doped biochar produced at 900 °C showed good recyclability. This work concludes that SMS is a valuable waste that could be used for the production of activated carbon and that N-doping helped to improve the adsorption performance to a great extent.

The Azalea Hypothesis of Alzheimer Disease: A Functional Iron Deficiency Promotes Neurodegeneration

Chlorosis in azaleas is characterized by an interveinal yellowing of leaves that is typically caused by a deficiency of iron. This condition is usually due to the inability of cells to properly acquire iron as a consequence of unfavorable conditions, such as an elevated pH, rather than insufficient iron levels. The causes and effects of chlorosis were found to have similarities with those pertaining to a recently presented hypothesis that describes a pathogenic process in Alzheimer disease. This hypothesis states that iron becomes sequestered (e.g., by amyloid β and tau), causing a functional deficiency of iron that disrupts biochemical processes leading to neurodegeneration. Additional mechanisms that contribute to iron becoming unavailable include iron-containing structures not undergoing proper recycling (e.g., disrupted mitophagy and altered ferritinophagy) and failure to successfully translocate iron from one compartment to another (e.g., due to impaired lysosomal acidification). Other contributors to a functional deficiency of iron in patients with Alzheimer disease include altered metabolism of heme or altered production of iron-containing proteins and their partners (e.g., subunits, upstream proteins). A review of the evidence supporting this hypothesis is presented. Also, parallels between the mechanisms underlying a functional iron-deficient state in Alzheimer disease and those occurring for chlorosis in plants are discussed. Finally, a model describing the generation of a functional iron deficiency in Alzheimer disease is put forward.

Reusing thermoactivated construction waste spoil as sustainable binder for durable concrete: Microstructure and chloride transport

Construction and demolition waste is predominantly comprised of construction spoil. However, the proper recycling of this construction spoil in a manner that maximizes its value has historically received insufficient attention. Therefore, the objective of this study investigated the micro-structure and chloride transport of cement concrete including thermoactivated construction spoil powder (CSP) as a substitute for cement. The results highlights that the un-treated CSP consisted of massive inert components, and active metakaolin and amorphous components were generated in thermoactivated CSP after 800–1200 ℃ activation treatment. Mixing un-treated CSP negatively impacted the micro-structure and strength development of concrete, but the thermoactivated CSP blended paste had improved micro-structure and better strength than the un-treated CSP blended paste. Incorporating un-treated CSP raised the chloride transport in concrete. At the constant replacement ratio of CSP, the thermoactivated CSP blended concrete had lower chloride transport than the un-treated CSP blended concrete, and decreasing the particle size of thermoactivated CSP could further decline the chloride transport in thermoactivated CSP blended concrete. The concrete with 1200 ℃-activated CSP even had lower chloride transport than the reference concrete. The mix of un-treated CSP up to 30% reduced the chloride binding capacity of concrete, but the thermoactivated CSP blended concrete had superior chloride binding capacity to the un-treated CSP blended concrete. Particularly, the concrete with 20% thermoactivated CSP and 10% active metakaolin/silica fume had similar strength and lower chloride transport than reference concrete. By optimizing the thermoactivation temperature, replacement ratio, and particle size of CSP, it was possible to prepare a durable concrete with low chloride transport.

Battery chemistry prediction with short measurements and a decision tree algorithm: Sorting for a proper recycling process

Given the push for electrification in every front, the demand for batteries is going to keep increasing. The current rates of growth for production of raw materials are not expected to keep up with this increasing demand. Therefore, recycling has to be a significant part of the value chain in providing the raw materials. Presorting the batteries collected prior to a recycling operation would greatly improve the efficiency of the process. Given users of consumer batteries cannot classify their spent batteries by their chemistries, a chemistry identification will need to be implemented at the industrial scale. We are reporting on a decision tree that is based on a density measurement along with electrical measurements in order to classify batteries by their chemistry in addition to a provision for reusability. 109 batteries are measured in total from a battery recycling bin, including batteries from commercial retailers that were used for various applications.

Development of Pd@MWCNT-Co3O4 Electrode Sensors Using Cobalt Recovered from Spent Lithium Ion Batteries

The rampant use of various types of energy storage devices for different applications poses a great threat to the environment as most of the materials after their usage are not recycled properly. Battery materials that are exposed to the environment without proper recycling or recovery protocol are of more concern. In the present work, the chemical components recovered from spent lithium batteries were processed through suitable methods and were utilized for the fabrication of electrode materials for sensor application. The present work demonstrates a highly sensitive and cost-effective method for fabricating disposable non-enzymatic glucose sensors based on Pd functionalized MWCNT-Co3O4 electrode using cobalt recovered from a spent Li-ion battery. The incorporation of palladium onto the multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and further deposition of this composite onto the Co3O4 substrate greatly enhanced the glucose sensing characteristics. The sensing behavior of the Co3O4 electrode and Pd@MWCNT-Co3O4 electrode towards glucose electro-oxidation were compared using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Chrono- amperometric (CA) techniques. A very low detection limit of 0.6 μM was obtained by the Pd@MWCNT-Co3O4 electrode towards glucose sensing. The sensor fabrication process was economical and possessed excellent stability, selectivity and good reproducibility.