Recovery of Zinc and Manganese dioxide from spent Zn-C dry cells

Abstract

Hydrometallurgical process is used to recover zinc and manganese dioxide (MnO,) from spent zinc-carbon dry cell. The process, which involves electroplating of zinc and oxidation of manganese dioxide, allows for easy separation of the components. The design can produce 10kg/day of MnO, and zinc, made up of 5.38 kg. of MnO, and 4.62 kg. of zinc per day. Other metals, which are recovered in the process, include mercury, nickel and iron. The annual production cost is estimated at about A3,088,775 for a total production rate of 3000kg per year, giving a profit of N1, 651,104.69.