Preliminary tests at pilot scale for obtaining of nickel hydroxide for rechargeable batteries

Abstract

Pilot plant scale tests, were carried out with the objective of proposing a technological alternative to obtain a nickel hydroxide solution, which can be used for rechargeable batteries production. Chemical precipitation was developed using nickel sulphate solution in either batch or intermittent process. Nickel sulphate solution contains cobalt and manganese. Ammonium and sodium hydroxides, controlling temperature, pH, reaction time, reagent concentrations and sodium hydroxide flow conditions, were used too. The main technical process indicators were determined: raw material and bulk consumption indices, as well as metals and washing precipitation efficiencies. Nickel hydroxide resulting solution was chemically characterized, obtaining average nickel and sodium contents, equal to 53, 8 % and 2, 5 %, respectively. Nickel and cobalt average precipitation efficiency was equal to 99,8 %, while for manganese it was         94,9 %. The washing process just guaranteed the 74 % reduction of sodium contained in the hydroxide obtained reduction.