Deposit morphology of the zinc recovery by electrodeposition from the spent Zn–MnO2 batteries

Electrochemical recovery of zinc from spent Zn–MnO2 batteries has been developed. Deposit morphology and charge efficiency depends on current density. A smooth deposit is formed for a current density equal to 50.0 mA cm−2, while a porous deposit is formed for a current density equal to 10.0 mA cm−2. It was observed that pore size decreases with the increase in current density. In contrast, charge efficiency reaches up to 85.0% for a current density equal to 10.0 mA cm−2, and decreases with further increase in current density. Potassium, sulphur, and oxygen are adsorbed onto the zinc deposit. Zinc recovery was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX).