Simultaneous recovery of Pb and PbO2 from battery plant effluents. Part II

Results are reported of experiments and modelling of cathodic Pb and anodic PbO₂ electrodeposition, aimed at developing a process using both reactions simultaneously for treating aqueous effluents from lead–acid battery recycling plants. Pb(II) solubilities and equilibrium potentials were calculated as functions of pH and sulfate activities. Using kinetic parameters from the literature or determined experimentally, models were developed for current density–potential and current efficiency–potential relationships, together with the current density dependence of specific electrical energy consumptions for Pb(II) recovery. Experimental current density–potential and charge efficiency–potential relationships were in broad agreement with model predictions, with near unity current efficiencies for mass transport controlled PbO₂ deposition from electrolytes containing 1 mol Pb(II) m^–3 at pH 12. However, charge efficiencies for cathodic deposition of lead were typically 0.2 for 1 mol Pb(II) m^–3 + 1 mol O₂ (aq) m^–3; removal of dissolved oxygen was predicted and determined to increase current efficiencies to near unity. Pb(II) concentrations were depleted to <60 ppb in a batch recycle reactor system with graphite felt anodes and graphite or titanium felt cathodes. Simultaneous cathodic Pb and anodic PbO₂ electrodeposition resulted in more rapid Pb(II) depletion than for either reaction separately.