Simple Preparation of Ni and NiO Nanoparticles Using Raffinate Solution Originated from Spent NiMH Battery Recycling

Nickel (Ni) and nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles were produced by a combination of precipitation and reduction/calcination methods using the raffinate solution originated from laboratory scale spent NiMH recovery process. Ni recovery from the solution reached 99.8% by a simple precipitation step using baking soda. X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, carbon analyzer and thermal gravimetric analysis techniques were used to characterize the precipitate. Metallic and oxide nanoparticles were obtained by hydrogen reduction and calcination under air atmosphere of the precipitate at 400 degrees C, respectively for 30-90min residence times. The crystal structure, crystallite size, morphology, particle size and surface area of the samples, as well as carbon residue content in the particles were detected by particle characterization methods. The results indicate that spherical Ni nanoparticles have a crystallite size about 37nm, and particle sizes of around 100nm. The agglomeration of the nanoparticles reduces by increasing residence time. NiO nanoparticles have finer crystallite and particle sizes than the metallic samples produced at the same temperature and residence times. The results show that the combination of the simple methods presented can be an alternative process for producing advanced particles from spent NiMH batteries.