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Properties of Nickel Metal Hydride
Nickel Metal Hydride
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- Nickel Metal Hydride
Description
- General Description
- Application
- Features & Benefits
- Safety Information
General Description
General Description
Nickel–Metal Hydride battery (NiMH) is a rechargeable battery type that is more environmentally friendly. The battery is similar to nickel-cadmium (NiCd) cells but replaces toxic cadmium with a hydrogen-absorbing alloy at the negative electrode. These batteries are rechargeable. During the discharge process, nickel oxyhydroxide, NiOOH (cathode), accepts electrons and becomes nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)₂). While metal hydride, MH (anode), releases an electron and gets oxidized to metal.
Application
Application
Nickel–metal hydride batteries have found their applications in consumer electronics and industrial sectors, such as:
- Remote controls, digital cameras, flashlights, toys, and game controllers.
- Drones, remote-controlled cars, and boats.
- Electric and hybrid vehicles.
Features & Benefits
Features & Benefits
These batteries are made of more recyclable materials and have higher capacity than NiCd batteries. It functions well in devices designed for 1.5V alkalines, operating at ~1.2V per cell. The batteries can withstand hundreds of charge-discharge cycles with proper care. Thus, it can be used for various applications.
Safety Information
Safety Information
Cadmium is a heavy toxic material that is harmful to human health and the environment. The Nickel–Metal Hydride battery is much safer compared to NiCd. However, it is essential to use smart chargers to prevent overcharging, which can lead to overheating or gas buildup. Please keep in mind that short circuits, overheating, or improper handling can cause cells to rupture or fire hazards. For safe and responsible disposal, fully discharge the battery. Strictly follow local recycling regulations and do not puncture, crush, ignite, or incinerate.
Lithium-ion Batteries Recycling Process
Advanced mechanical and hydrometallurgical process implementation enabling demanufacturing
from waste batteries to battery-grade material
1
Battery Sorting
Battery Sorting
We accumulate Lithium-ion batteries from various sources and categorize them based on chemical properties (e.g., NMC, LFP, LCO, etc.), size, form factor (pouch, cylindrical, prismatic), and state of health. Sorting out these batteries helps us to carry uniform feedstock for downstream processes and safety during handling.
2
Battery dismantling
Battery dismantling
The process involves both mechanical and manual methods to dismantle battery packs/modules into cells. The components like aluminum/copper foils, plastic casing, and electronics (BMS) are separated. It is a critical step for isolating the electrochemical cells from structural and electronic components.
3
Battery discharging
Battery discharging
In this process, the residual charge in cells is neutralized using controlled discharging protocols or chemical methods. It is essential to prevent short circuits, thermal runaway, or fire hazards during processing.
4
Mechanical extraction
Mechanical extraction
During the mechanical extraction, battery cells go through shredding, crushing, and sieving in an inert or controlled environment to prevent thermal incidents. The process separates materials into:
- Black Mass (cathode/anode active material)
- Metallic fractions (aluminum, copper)
- Non-metallic fractions (plastics, separators)
5
Black Mass leaching(Hydrometallurgy)
Black Mass leaching(Hydrometallurgy)
The black mass leaching is a hydrometallurgical process that involves extracting valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese compounds. The process involves dissolving the black in an aqueous solution, commonly using sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid.
The Process of Recycling Lithium-ion Batteries
At NavPrakriti, we follow a CPCB-approved Li battery recycling process:
Safe Collection
1
Safe Collection
We collect used lithium-ion batteries PAN India. Our packaging is approved by UNa and we comply with DG-certified logistics to safely move the scrap to our lithium battery recycling plant.
De-energising and
Dismantling
2
De-energising and
Dismantling
Once the batteries arrive at our battery recycling plant, we safely discharge and dismantle them. Our facility has controlled zones that are specially designed for different chemistries, including NMC, LFP, and LCO. Our trained team separates modules, cells, and components based on form factor and composition. This step minimises hazards, prevents short-circuiting, and prepares each battery for accurate downstream processing and material recovery.
Shredding
3
Shredding
We then transfer them into the shredding system. In this process, we handle mixed feedstocks in a closed environment equipped with gas management and filtration systems. The shredded output is collected safely for separation and assay to minimize metal loss.
Separation & Assay
4
Separation & Assay
Our automated separation systems isolate plastics, metals, and battery grade residue precisely. Each recovered fraction is analysed through rapid assay testing, including ICP-OES methods, to verify composition and yield. Results are reconciled digitally, providing transparent, assay-backed documentation that ensures fair settlements and complete accountability for every processed batch.
Refurbishing
5
Refurbishing
Viable cells are tested, graded, and reassembled into certified Energy Storage System (ESS) packs under strict safety protocols. Each pack is verified for State of Health (SoH), equipped with BMS, and UN 38.3 certified to ensure safety.
Refining
6
Refining
Depending on composition and condition, recovered active material concentrates are processed through hydrometallurgical refining to extract critical metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. And the battery-grade sulphates and carbonates (Li₂CO₃ 99.5%) re-enters the clean-energy supply chain.
Safe Collection
We collect used lithium-ion batteries PAN India. Our packaging is approved by UNa and we comply with DG-certified logistics to safely move the scrap to our lithium battery recycling plant.
De-energising and
Dismantling
Once the batteries arrive at our battery recycling plant, we safely discharge and dismantle them. Our facility has controlled zones that are specially designed for different chemistries, including NMC, LFP, and LCO. Our trained team separates modules, cells, and components based on form factor and composition. This step minimises hazards, prevents short-circuiting, and prepares each battery for accurate downstream processing and material recovery.
Shredding
We then transfer them into the shredding system. In this process, we handle mixed feedstocks in a closed environment equipped with gas management and filtration systems. The shredded output is collected safely for separation and assay to minimize metal loss.
Separation & Assay
Our automated separation systems isolate plastics, metals, and battery grade residue precisely. Each recovered fraction is analysed through rapid assay testing, including ICP-OES methods, to verify composition and yield. Results are reconciled digitally, providing transparent, assay-backed documentation that ensures fair settlements and complete accountability for every processed batch.
Refurbishing
Viable cells are tested, graded, and reassembled into certified Energy Storage System (ESS) packs under strict safety protocols. Each pack is verified for State of Health (SoH), equipped with BMS, and UN 38.3 certified to ensure safety.
Refining
Depending on composition and condition, recovered active material concentrates are processed through hydrometallurgical refining to extract critical metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. And the battery-grade sulphates and carbonates (Li₂CO₃ 99.5%) re-enters the clean-energy supply chain.
Recovering Critical Materials and Bringing Clean, Renewed Energy
With cutting-edge facilities and industrial-scale, low-CO2 processes, we extract a higher yield and purity from the end-of-life batteries and recover valuable materials.
- Black mass
- MHP (Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate)
- Lithium
- Cobalt
- Nickel
- Manganese
- Graphite
- Copper
- Aluminium
Black mass
Black mass is a term used to describe the concentrated powdery substance obtained by recycling scrap batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries. It contains valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, which are critical for producing new batteries and other electronic components. Extracting black mass is an eco-friendly solution to address the growing problem of e-waste while reducing the need for mining raw materials. This process not only helps conserve natural resources but also supports a circular economy by enabling the reuse of finite materials.
MHP (Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate)
Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) is an intermediate compound rich in nickel. It is produced through the hydrometallurgical processing of laterite ores. MHP is obtained by precipitating nickel using chemical agents under specific conditions, such as temperature, pH, concentration, and reaction time. MHP typically contains both nickel and cobalt and serves as a precursor material for battery-grade cathode synthesis. It has higher specific capacity and longer cycling stability, and is widely used in lithium-ion batteries like NMC111.
Lithium
Lithium is a fundamental element in lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from electric vehicles (EVs) to portable electronics. As the world shifts toward clean energy solutions, the demand for lithium has surged. Recycling lithium from used batteries helps conserve natural resources, reduces the environmental impact of mining, and ensures a more sustainable supply of this critical metal for future battery technologies. Efficient recycling methods also help mitigate the risks of lithium shortages in the face of growing global demand.
Cobalt
Cobalt is an essential metal for increasing the energy density and longevity of lithium-ion batteries. It is primarily used in cathodes to enhance battery performance, particularly in EVs and renewable energy storage systems. However, cobalt mining has raised ethical and environmental concerns due to its extraction in conflict zones and its energy-intensive mining process. Recycling cobalt from spent batteries can address these issues by reducing reliance on newly mined cobalt, promoting sustainable practices, and lowering the environmental footprint of battery production.
Nickel
Nickel is widely used in battery cathodes to improve energy storage capacity and extend battery life, particularly in high-performance electric vehicles. Nickel-rich batteries are gaining popularity for their efficiency in storing and delivering power. Recycling nickel is critical to reducing the environmental toll of mining, which can be energy-intensive and harmful to ecosystems. Reusing nickel in the battery supply chain helps mitigate resource depletion, lowers carbon emissions, and ensures that nickel is available for future advancements in clean energy storage solutions.
Manganese
Manganese is crucial in stabilizing the structure of battery cathodes and optimizing battery life. It plays a key role in the performance of lithium-ion batteries, particularly in medium- and high-power applications like EVs. As demand for such batteries increases, recycling manganese helps reduce the need for new mining operations, which often have negative environmental and social impacts. By recovering manganese from used batteries, we can lower the ecological cost of battery production while supporting the transition to renewable energy.
Graphite
Graphite is a vital component in the anodes of lithium-ion batteries, where it stores and releases electrical energy during charge and discharge cycles. The growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions has increased the need for high-quality graphite. Since the extraction and processing of natural graphite can be environmentally taxing, recycling graphite from spent batteries reduces the need for mining and supports a circular economy. Recycled graphite can be reused in new batteries, cutting down on waste and lowering the carbon footprint associated with battery production.
Copper
Copper is a key conductor in battery systems, facilitating the efficient transfer of electricity between cells and components. Copper is used extensively in battery wiring, connectors, and current collectors. As the demand for EVs and renewable energy storage solutions rises, recycling copper is essential for reducing mining waste and energy use. Copper recycling not only conserves natural resources but also helps lower the environmental impact of producing new copper, ensuring a sustainable supply for future energy storage technologies.
Aluminium
Aluminium is used in battery casings, current collectors, and other components due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties. In addition to its structural role, aluminium also helps improve the safety and efficiency of battery systems. Recycling aluminium is highly energy-efficient compared to primary production, significantly lowering its environmental impact. By recovering and reusing aluminium from old batteries, we reduce energy consumption and conserve valuable resources, while supporting the circular economy in the growing battery industry.
Recovering Critical Materials and Bringing Clean, Renewed Energy
With cutting-edge facilities and industrial-scale, low-CO2 processes, we extract a higher yield and purity from the end-of-life batteries and recover valuable materials.
Black mass
Black mass
Black mass is a term used to describe the concentrated powdery substance obtained by recycling scrap batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries. It contains valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, which are critical for producing new batteries and other electronic components. Extracting black mass is an eco-friendly solution to address the growing problem of e-waste while reducing the need for mining raw materials. This process not only helps conserve natural resources but also supports a circular economy by enabling the reuse of finite materials.
MHP (Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate)
MHP (Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate)
Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) is an intermediate compound rich in nickel. It is produced through the hydrometallurgical processing of laterite ores. MHP is obtained by precipitating nickel using chemical agents under specific conditions, such as temperature, pH, concentration, and reaction time. MHP typically contains both nickel and cobalt and serves as a precursor material for battery-grade cathode synthesis. It has higher specific capacity and longer cycling stability, and is widely used in lithium-ion batteries like NMC111.
Lithium
Lithium
Lithium is a fundamental element in lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from electric vehicles (EVs) to portable electronics. As the world shifts toward clean energy solutions, the demand for lithium has surged. Recycling lithium from used batteries helps conserve natural resources, reduces the environmental impact of mining, and ensures a more sustainable supply of this critical metal for future battery technologies. Efficient recycling methods also help mitigate the risks of lithium shortages in the face of growing global demand.
Cobalt
Cobalt
Cobalt is an essential metal for increasing the energy density and longevity of lithium-ion batteries. It is primarily used in cathodes to enhance battery performance, particularly in EVs and renewable energy storage systems. However, cobalt mining has raised ethical and environmental concerns due to its extraction in conflict zones and its energy-intensive mining process. Recycling cobalt from spent batteries can address these issues by reducing reliance on newly mined cobalt, promoting sustainable practices, and lowering the environmental footprint of battery production.
Nickel
Nickel
Nickel is widely used in battery cathodes to improve energy storage capacity and extend battery life, particularly in high-performance electric vehicles. Nickel-rich batteries are gaining popularity for their efficiency in storing and delivering power. Recycling nickel is critical to reducing the environmental toll of mining, which can be energy-intensive and harmful to ecosystems. Reusing nickel in the battery supply chain helps mitigate resource depletion, lowers carbon emissions, and ensures that nickel is available for future advancements in clean energy storage solutions.
Manganese
Manganese
Manganese is crucial in stabilizing the structure of battery cathodes and optimizing battery life. It plays a key role in the performance of lithium-ion batteries, particularly in medium- and high-power applications like EVs. As demand for such batteries increases, recycling manganese helps reduce the need for new mining operations, which often have negative environmental and social impacts. By recovering manganese from used batteries, we can lower the ecological cost of battery production while supporting the transition to renewable energy.
Graphite
Graphite
Graphite is a vital component in the anodes of lithium-ion batteries, where it stores and releases electrical energy during charge and discharge cycles. The growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions has increased the need for high-quality graphite. Since the extraction and processing of natural graphite can be environmentally taxing, recycling graphite from spent batteries reduces the need for mining and supports a circular economy. Recycled graphite can be reused in new batteries, cutting down on waste and lowering the carbon footprint associated with battery production.
Copper
Copper
Copper is a key conductor in battery systems, facilitating the efficient transfer of electricity between cells and components. Copper is used extensively in battery wiring, connectors, and current collectors. As the demand for EVs and renewable energy storage solutions rises, recycling copper is essential for reducing mining waste and energy use. Copper recycling not only conserves natural resources but also helps lower the environmental impact of producing new copper, ensuring a sustainable supply for future energy storage technologies.
Aluminium
Aluminium
Aluminium is used in battery casings, current collectors, and other components due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties. In addition to its structural role, aluminium also helps improve the safety and efficiency of battery systems. Recycling aluminium is highly energy-efficient compared to primary production, significantly lowering its environmental impact. By recovering and reusing aluminium from old batteries, we reduce energy consumption and conserve valuable resources, while supporting the circular economy in the growing battery industry.
Metals Extracted During Recycling
At our battery recycling plant, we extract a wide range of materials from the different types of batteries, including:
Active Material Concentrates
Active Material Concentrates
Cobalt Oxalte
Cobalt Oxalte
Cobalt Oxide
Cobalt Oxide
Copper
Copper
Graphite
Graphite
Lithium
Lithium
Manganese
Manganese
Nickel Oxalte
Nickel Oxalte
Doing our part for a cleaner planet.
Transitioning to a sustainable future requires the responsible use of our valuable and finite resources.
Through our focus on battery recycling, we aim to minimize environmental impact and foster a sustainable future, keeping our people and planet in mind. This approach allows us to keep the well-being of both nature and communities at the forefront of our operations.
Through our efforts, we seek to drive meaningful change and create a world where future generations can thrive in harmony with their environment. It all starts with Nav Prakriti.
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