Development of innovative processes for the valorization of spent batteries

The purpose of this project, of which renewal is requested for the years 2018 - 2020, was the implementation of physicochemical processes (electrochemical) and chemical-biological (bioleaching and bioprecipitation), based on the activity of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, sulfate-reducing bacteria and other microorganisms suitable (microscopic fungi and yeasts), in order to develop an innovative process for the valorization of secondary raw materials, such as primary exhaust batteries type Zn-carbon and alkaline, for the recovery of metal values (Zinc) and for the production of other components of interest commercial, such as manganese dioxide. The experimental activities planned at the beginning of the three years aim to achieve the following specific objectives : 1. Pre-treatment and leaching of secondary raw materials (spent batteries); 2. Selection and cultivation of microorganisms suitable; 3. Pre-treatment and bioleaching of secondary raw materials; 4. Purification of leached solutions and production of metal components, salts and solutions, by chemical, chemical-biological and electrochemical way; 5. Treatment of waste water, process analysis integrated (technical and economic) of all the results obtained, environmental impact analysis and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the process. The ultimate goal was to develop an analysis of the main technical and economic feasibility of the overall process, with a focus on product quality (high purity for the technological applications) and to environmental and energy aspects.