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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/N08483/01
Title: SIMULTANEOUS RECOVERY OF LEAD & LEAD DIOXIDE FROM BATTERY EFFLUENTS
Principal Investigator: Brandon, Professor NP
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Britannia Refined Metals Ltd E A Technology Hawker Group
Lucas Yuasa Batteries Ltd
Department: Chemical Engineering
Organisation: Imperial College London
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 December 2000 Ends: 28 February 2003 Value (£): 166,753
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Waste Minimisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Environment No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The primary objective is to develop a novel process for the treatment of lead-bearing effluents from lead-acid battery and other relevant industries, which recovers lead in a form suitable for recycling back into the process stream. In the proposed process, the effluent is introduced into an electrochemical reactor fitted with two 3-dimensional graphite felt electrodes. The Pb(II) ions are reductively deposited on the cathode to form elemental lead; simultaneously, they are oxidatively deposited on the anode to form Pb02. Electrodeposition of Pb02 at the anode instead of oxygen evolution can significantly increase the current efficiency and decrease the specific electrical energy consumption. In addition, Pb02 can be recycled as one of the major raw materials in lead-acid battery plants. There is some evidence to suggest that fine lead sulphate particles within the effluent may also be trapped within the graphite felt electrodes, enabling subsequent oxidation or reduction. No hazardous chemicals are required or produced. The only input is electrical energy, and valuable Pb and Pb02 are recovered. The water in the lead-acid battery plant can also be reused and recycled, forming a complete effluent treatment and recycle system.
Key Findings
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Summary
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.imperial.ac.uk