Recovery of Residual Lead from Automotive Battery Recycling Slag Using Deep Eutectic Solvents

In this study, we address the ecological challenges posed by automotive battery recycling, a process notorious for its environmental impact due to the buildup of hazardous waste like foundry slag. We propose a relatively cheap and safe solution for lead removal and recovery from samples of this type of slag. The analysis of TCLP extracts revealed non-compliance with international regulations, showing lead concentrations of up to 5.4% primarily in the form of anglesite (PbSO4), as detected by XRF/XRD. We employed deep eutectic solvents (DES) as leaching agents known for their biodegradability and safety in hydrometallurgical processing. Five operational variables were systematically evaluated: sample type, solvent, concentration, temperature, and time. Using a solvent composed of choline chloride and glycerin in a 2:1 molar ratio, we achieved 95% lead dissolution from acidic samples at 90 °C, with agitation at 470 rpm, a pulp concentration of 5%, and a 5 h duration. Furthermore, we successfully recovered 55% of the lead in an optimized solution using an electrowinning cell. This research demonstrates the ability of DES to decontaminate slag, enabling compliance with regulations, the recovery of valuable metals, and new possibilities for the remaining material.