# Application of Novel Polymer Materials Containing Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Separation of Metal Ions from Alkaline Battery Leachates

## TL;DR

This paper explores using eco-friendly polymer materials with deep eutectic solvents to efficiently separate metal ions from used alkaline batteries, promoting sustainable recycling.

## Contribution

The study introduces polymer materials with green deep eutectic solvents for efficient and eco-friendly metal ion separation from battery leachates.

## Key findings

- Polymer materials with deep eutectic solvents achieved up to 93.42% removal of Ni(II) ions.
- FTIR-ATR analysis confirmed chemical composition changes in polymer materials after metal ion separation.
- DES-based materials align with green chemistry principles for e-waste processing.

## Abstract

The widespread, worldwide utilisation of alkaline batteries requires development of proper recycling methods for used batteries, which are considered both as a secondary source of valuable metals and as a threat to the environment (may contain toxic substances). As many separation methods of metal ions from battery leachates are based on the use of substances that require complex synthesis or are not eco-safe, new materials suitable for this purpose are systematically sought. Therefore, in this study, the results of the separation of Ni(II), Zn(II) and Mn(II) ions from alkaline battery leachates using polymer materials (PMs) impregnated with easily synthesised, “green” deep eutectic solvents (DESs) or with ionic liquids (ILs) were presented. Additionally, PMs surface wettability were determined and their chemical compositions were analysed using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy–attenuated total reflectance (FTIR–ATR) method. Among all PMs synthesised, materials containing DESs (composed of Aliquat 336 or Cyphos IL 101 and diacetamide) performed best in the separation of Ni(II) ions (removal of 93.42% and 80.86%). The application of DES-based PMs for the separation of metal ions from battery leachates is in line with green chemistry principles, and such materials can potentially be used in the processing of e-waste.