INVESTIGATING THE RECYCLING OF NICKEL HYDRIDE BATTERY SCRAP

New nickel hydride alloys have been developed to replace the cadmium-c ontaining negative electrodes of nickel-cadmium batteries. The new, ca dmium-free alloys promise enhanced electrochemical properties as well as reduced environmental toxicity. Rechargeable batteries using nickel hydride electrodes are strong candidates for electric vehicle applica tions. The U.S. Bureau of Mines is investigating hydrometallurgical te chnology that separates and recovers purified metallic components pres ent in nickel hydride battery scrap. A preliminary investigation of ac id dissolution and metal recovery techniques using whole batteries and electrode rolls has shown potential options that will allow the succe ssful recycling of much of the battery fabrication scrap.