Separation and Recovery of Nickel and Cadmium from Spent Cd-Ni Storage Batteries and Their Process Wastes

Several typical methods for the recovery and separation of cadmium and nickel from Ni- and Cd-bearing wastes are briefly described. Laboratory- and large-scale experiments were respectively developed to improve the processes for the recovery and treatment of cadmium and nickel. A high degree of purity of recovered cadmium was obtained. Yields of >95% for nickel and >99.66% for cadmium were obtained. The large-scale experimental process involves no secondary pollution, and it decreases and sometimes eliminates the disposal of spent process streams. A plant in China has established a production line based on the large-scale process, and a large number of benefits in cadmium recovery from spent alkaline Ni-Cd storage batteries and their process wastes have resulted.