A facile method to synthesis of CdO nanoparticles from spent Ni-Cd batteries

As an innovative route, in this research, to synthesize CdO nanoparticles, firstly the anode materials of the spent Ni-Cd batteries was leached by H2SO4, secondly the CdO nano-particles' precursor (Otavite (CdCO3) powder) obtained from the leaching solution by Na2CO3 addition, and finally the CdO nanoparticles synthesized by thermal decomposition of the precursor at 500 degrees C. To characterize the synthesized materials, XRD, SEM, thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimeter (TGA-DSC) and infrared spectrum (IR) techniques were used. According to the results, spherical, pure CdO nanoparticles (about 40 nm in size) were successfully prepared without using organic solvent, expensive raw materials, and complicated equipment. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.