Chemical Synthesis, Kinetics, and Characterization of Nano-Lead Oxide Powder

Abstract

Systematic chemical decomposition, leaching, desulfurization, reducing and precipitation of spent lead-acid batteries to extract lead in oxide form as a valuable product using organic acid, salt of the acid, and hydrogen peroxide were studied in this present work. Citric acid was found a suitable leachant to dissolve lead. With 1 M citric acid, 2 M sodium citrate, and hydrogen peroxide, 180 min reaction time, solid/liquid ratio of 100 g/L, 30 oC temperature, and 500 rpm speed, > 97% extraction of lead in citrate form was achieved. Leaching kinetics followed 1 – 3(1 – X)2/3 + 2 (1 – X) = KCt ash diffusion controls dense constant-sized-spherical particles model with an activation energy of 8.3 kJ/mol. The precipitate was calcined at 400 oC to produce α- and β-PbO with a particle size of 19 nm which can be used as a raw material in the production of a new lead-acid battery.