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Polyamine flocculation applied to household batteries recycling

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Abstract

Processing of spent household batteries to recover manganese and zinc involves grinding of the inner part of battery cells so as to obtain a black powder (BP) with average particle size of less than 2 mm. This is followed by washing the BP with plain water to eliminate soluble chemicals. A subsequent step consists in separating the BP from the aqueous suspension. This operation has proven to be a difficult one. This research showed that adding epichlorohydrin–dimethylamine (EPI–DMA) enhanced greatly the separation process while not inducing unwanted alterations in the chemical composition of the BP. Flocculation efficiency was determined by measuring the solution turbidity. Combining different analytical techniques [X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, backscattered electrons and zeta potential measurements (Zetasizer Nano)], the research also assessed the effect of EPI–DMA on the solutes, defined the resulting chemical composition of BP and offered an insight into the flocculation mechanism. Central composite design was used to optimize the values of most important operating variables, i.e., EPI–DMA dosage and agitation time of the suspension at different BP/washing water ratios. Analysis of variance was used to study interactions among the process variables and define the conditions of highest separation efficiency.

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Acknowledgments

Authors are very grateful to Ms. Fabiola Ferrante and Mr. Marcello Centofanti for their helpful collaboration during the AAS and XRF analyses, the Microscopy Centre of l’Aquila University for the SEM and BSE images. S.B. Zueva wishes to express thanks for the financial support from the “Progetto Regionale Speciale Multiasse ‘Reti per l’Alta Formazione’ PO FSE Abruzzo 2007/2013—Azione 4.II.iii adottato con D.R. n. 1564 del 27.09.2011” by University of L’Aquila. A.L. Manciulea wishes to express thanks for the financial support for the project, which was co-financed by the Sectorial Operational Program For Human Resources Development 2007–2013—contract no.: POSDRU/89/1.5/S/60189—“Postdoctoral Programs for Sustainable Development in a Knowledge Based Society.”

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Technology, Voronezh State University of Engineering, Revolution Avenue, 19, 394036, Voronezh, Russia

    S. B. Zueva

  2. Laboratory of Integrated Treatment of Industrial Waste and Wastewater, Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L’Aquila, 67100, Monteluco di Roio, L’Aquila, Italy

    S. B. Zueva, P. Macolino & F. Vegliò

  3. Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-nano-sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Str. Treboniu Laurean, 42, 400271, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

    A. L. Manciulea

Authors
  1. S. B. Zueva
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  2. P. Macolino
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  3. A. L. Manciulea
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  4. F. Vegliò
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Correspondence to S. B. Zueva.

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Zueva, S.B., Macolino, P., Manciulea, A.L. et al. Polyamine flocculation applied to household batteries recycling. J Mater Cycles Waste Manag 17, 504–512 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-014-0265-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-014-0265-7

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