Abstract: Materials in battery and electrochemical cells are separated in a form suitable for recycling by employing froth flotation techniques. Bulk materials, such as casings, are removed from converted battery scrap and the resultant pulp is subjected to froth flotation. Froth flotation agents, including frothers, collectors and/or depressants, are used to manipulate the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the materials in the scrap. Hydrophobic materials are entrained in the air bubbles of the froth and float out of the froth flotation vessel while those that are hydrophilic remain in the vessel, thereby separating battery grid materials without resort to pyrometallurgical, energy intensive or other environmentally undesirable processes.

Abstract: A lead-acid battery grid made from a lead-based alloy containing, in addition to lead, tin at a concentration that is at least about 0.500%, silver at a concentration that is greater than 0.006%, and bismuth at a concentration that is at least about 0.005%, and, if calcium is present in the lead-based alloy, the calcium is at concentration that is no greater than about 0.010%.

Abstract: A lead calcium tin alloy to which cobalt has been added is described. The alloy is useful in the formation of anodes to be used in electrowinning cells. Electrowinning cells containing the cobalt alloys are particularly suited for electrowinning metals, such as copper, from sulfuric acid electrolytes. The cobalt-containing anodes improve the efficiency of oxygen evolution at the anode during electrowinning and reduce corrosion of the anode.

Abstract: A lead-acid battery grid made from a lead-based alloy containing, in addition to lead, tin at a concentration that is at least about 0.500%, silver at a concentration that is greater than 0.006%, and bismuth at a concentration that is at least about 0.005%, and, if calcium is present in the lead-based alloy, the calcium is at concentration that is no greater than about 0.010%.

Abstract: In the manufacture of lead acid battery electrodes, the oxidation of lead, particularly recycled lead containing silver, is enhanced by addition of magnesium to the lead. During the production of the lead acid battery, at least about 0.001 weight percent of magnesium is formed into an alloy with lead. The resulting alloy is then subjected to oxidizing conditions. The alloy may further contain silver.

Abstract: A lead acid battery grid made from a lead based alloy containing calcium, tin, and silver having the following composition: calcium above 0.06 and below 0.082%, tin above 1.0% and below 1.2%, silver between 0.005 and 0.020%, and optionally containing up to 0.025% aluminum. To enhance corrosion resistance and reduce grid growth, the grid optimally may contain 0.005 to 0.05% copper as an alloying element complementary to and as a replacement for part of the silver, provided the silver content does not fall below 0.005% and no more than a trace of aluminum is present.

Abstract: An anode for use in zinc electrowinning is described. The anode is made of a lead-silver alloy which has been cast as a billet rolled and subjected to heat treatment either during or after rolling. The temperature of treatment is high enough to cause recrystallization of the alloy and to prevent precipitation of any alloying elements. The anode has a surface grain structure which facilitates rapid oxidation of the anode to condition the anode. The anode preferably contains at least 0.03 to 0.45% silver and Lip to 0.08% calcium.

Abstract: In an electrowinning anode in which a lead anode sheet is tightly fitted to a copper busbar, the anode sheet is additionally joined to the busbar by pinning to prevent damage to the joint. A lead coating is electrodeposited onto the busbar, pin and the soldered joint to provide a complete metallurgical seal and good resistance to acid corrosion.