A low-cost green approach for synthesis of lead oxide from waste lead ash for use in new lead-acid batteries

This paper proposes a novel method relating to the recycling of waste lead ash originated from procedure of lead alloy production. The spent lead ash was first disposed by acetic acid leaching system, where lead ash structure wrapping impurities would be destroyed. The synthesis of lead oxide products was conducted at a lower temperature of 90 °C. The effect of molar ratio of CH₃COOH to lead content of the ash on leaching efficiency was studied through the acetic acid leaching system. The results demonstrate that 84.6% of lead could be obtained in the leaching solution, while merely 0.7% of Fe blend in solution within a leaching time of 120 min. In the stage of lead oxide synthesis from leaching solution, the yield of lead oxide products could reach up to 94.4% when the molar ratio of NaOH to lead in filtrate was 2.5. This novel green method could shed light on the reuse of lead from exhausted ash with a much more convenient and environmentally friendly procedure.