Analysis of the Lead Refining Method Using Aluminum

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the processes occurring during the refining of lead with aluminum, by analyzing and studying ternary Pb-(M)-Al systems, where M is one of the following metals: Sb, As, Se, Cu or Ni, which are the main contaminants of secondary lead from recycling waste lead-acid batteries. The Pb-Sb-Ca system, crucial for removing antimony while retaining tin, was also analyzed. The research included analysis of 2- and 3-component phase systems simulated, process kinetics under laboratory conditions for pure ternary systems, and chemical and phase composition analysis. Phase analysis showed the presence of permanent aluminum compounds such as AlSb, AlAs, Al 2 Se 3 , Al 3 Ni and phases with copper in the dross. In addition to the direct association of aluminum with a given contaminant, aluminum oxides such as Al 0.5 Sb 0.5 O 2 and AlAsO 4 as well as calcium oxide with antimony Ca 4 Sb 2 O 7 were also found in the dross. On the basis of the tests carried out, 680 °C was considered the optimal temperature for starting the refining process, with the amount of aluminum that was approx. The research provides new scientific data toward more efficient secondary lead refining technologies relevant to recycling waste lead-acid batteries and producing lead-tin alloys for the battery industry. Graphical Abstract