Optimization of nickel extraction from spent cathodes of NiMH batteries by hydrometallurgical process through experimental design

D. NAVARRETE; S. DRAJLIN; M.R. ESQUIVEL; M.H.RODRIGUEZ

CANADIAN METALLURGICAL QUARTERLY

METALLURGICAL SOC-C I M

Lugar: Ottawa; Año: 2022 vol. 62 p. 803 - 809

0008-4433

This paper presents the development of a novel process for the extraction of Nicontained in spent cathodes of NiMH batteries, by using an organic leaching agent,acetic acid (CH 3 COOH), in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) asfacilitator of cathodic dissolution. The operating parameters studied were temperature,time concentration of CH 3 COOH and H 2 O 2 , applying experimental design withsubsequent optimization using the response surface methodology (RSM). Themaximum empirical extraction of Ni, of 99.9708%, was achieved under the followingconditions: temperature, 75 °C; CH 3 COOH and H 2 O 2 concentrations, 6% (v/v)and 1.5% (v/v), respectively; reaction time, 30 min; stirring speed, 330 rpm and solidliquidratio, 25 g/L. In order to minimize the values of parameters such as thetemperature and concentration of leaching agent and H 2 O 2 , a numericaloptimization was carried out, leading to an optimal extraction value of 95.6%.