Environmental and technological criteria for selecting a zinc and manganese leaching method for spent batteries
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33271/crpnmu/86.407Keywords:
spent batteries, zinc, manganese, leaching, circularity, solution recirculation, secondary wasteAbstract
Purpose. To substantiate criteria for selecting a zinc and manganese leaching method for spent alkaline batteries, considering metal recovery into final products, resource consumption and secondary waste generation.
Methods. Targeted comparative analysis of experimental publications, unit harmonisation, a balance approach and scenario calculations were applied. The technological analysis covers prepared black mass, leaching, metal separation, solution return and residue management. Individual operation efficiency is distinguished from overall recovery into a product. Make-up demand is calculated for a single recirculating loop per unit of dry feed.
Findings. Acid, reductive acid, alkaline, ammonium-based and biohydrometallurgical methods, together with emerging deep eutectic solvent systems, are compared in terms of advantages, limitations and applicability. Intensification and solution purification are distinguished from the core leaching routes. A functional matrix supports preliminary screening. For model liquid-to-solid ratios of 5, 10 and 20 litres per kilogram, a return fraction of 0.75 gives make-up demands of 1.25, 2.50 and 5.00 litres per kilogram, respectively. These values describe a scenario rather than an experimental water balance.
Originality. Patterns of ecological and technological selection of zinc and manganese leaching methods by distinguishing between mandatory requirements for product quality and residue management and comparison indicators based on through extraction of metals and resource costs have been established.
Practical value. The results provide a basis for selecting options for laboratory testing of a comprehensive household battery recycling process. The criteria matrix identifies measurements required to evaluate water and reagent demand, product quality and residue stability. The procedure does not replace experimental validation or life cycle assessment.
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