Electrolytic recovery of metals from spent batteries - by connecting anodes and cathodes together and electrolysing in an electrolyte with external electrodes

摘要

Metals forming the electrodes, internal and external connections and poles of accumulators and batteries of all types, primary and secondary are extracted from scrap batteries by the following sequence of operations. The batteries are recharged, the electrolyte is removed, the bottom of the container is lifted out, the electrodes and the inside and outside of the batteries are washed with water, and a source of electric current is connected to the batteries. They are then plunged into an electrolyte and metals contained in the battery are dissolved in the electrolyte, which is then electrolysed, metals collecting at the cathode and oxides and suboxides at the anode of the exterior cells. This avoids prodn. of combustion fumes esp. contg. SO2 from scraps of plastic and other battery containers as in prior art pyrometallurgical extraction methods, thus avoiding air and water pollution. The lead in lead acid batteries is recovered without destroying the plastic casings and other elements such as titanium and antimony can also be recovered.