How to deal with used batteries

The disposal of used batteries is a global problem because they contain harmful substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, etc., which are extremely harmful to the environment and human health. Therefore, it is very important to dispose of used batteries correctly. This article will introduce the disposal methods of used batteries in detail.

Classification of used batteries

1. Solar cells: silicon solar cells, organic solar cells, etc.

2. Alkaline batteries: nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-iron batteries, etc.

3. Acid batteries: lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, etc.

4. Lithium batteries: lithium-ion batteries, lithium-iron-phosphorus batteries, etc.

Disposal methods of used batteries

1. Solar cell processing

The processing of solar cells is mainly achieved by recovering valuable materials such as silicon. The specific steps are as follows:

(1) Classify the waste solar cells and separate silicon solar cells from organic solar cells.

(2) Crush the silicon solar cells to separate the silicon wafers from other components of the battery.

(3) Extract the silicon wafers through chemical methods, such as hydrogen reduction.

(4) Clean and polish the extracted silicon wafers to make new silicon wafer products.

2. Alkaline battery processing

The processing of alkaline batteries is mainly achieved by recovering valuable metals such as nickel and cobalt. The specific steps are as follows:

(1) Classify the waste batteries and separate alkaline batteries from other types of batteries.

(2) Crush the alkaline batteries to separate metals such as nickel and iron from other components of the battery.

(3) Extract metals such as nickel sulfate and iron sulfate through chemical methods, such as nickel sulfate and iron sulfate.

(4) Smelt the extracted metals to make new metal products.

3. Acid battery processing

The processing of acid batteries is mainly achieved by recovering lead and acid. The specific steps are as follows:

(1) Sort the waste batteries and separate the lead-acid batteries from other types of batteries.

(2) Crush the lead-acid batteries to separate the lead and acid.

(3) Smelt the separated lead to make new lead ingots.

(4) Treat the separated acid to extract valuable substances, such as sulfuric acid.

(5) Neutralize the treated acid to meet environmental protection requirements.

4. Lithium battery processing

The treatment of lithium batteries is mainly achieved by recovering valuable metals such as lithium and cobalt. The specific steps are as follows:

(1) Sort the waste batteries and separate the lithium batteries from other types of batteries.

(2) Crush the lithium batteries to separate lithium, cobalt and other metals from other components of the battery.

(3) Extract lithium, cobalt and other metals through chemical methods, such as lithium carbonate, cobalt sulfate, etc.

(4) Smelt the extracted metals to make new metal products.

The significance of waste battery treatment

1. Saving resources: Waste batteries contain a large amount of valuable substances such as metals and acid. Through recycling, resources can be saved and the mining of mineral resources can be reduced.

2. Protecting the environment: Harmful substances in waste batteries, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, etc., are extremely harmful to the environment and human health. By properly handling waste batteries, the pollution of these harmful substances to the environment can be reduced.

3. Reducing processing costs: The treatment of waste batteries can not only save resources, but also reduce processing costs. Through recycling, waste batteries can be converted into new products and reduce processing costs.