Stating that the batteries used in electronic goods and vehicles are divided into two as rechargeable and non-rechargeable, experts state that batteries that have completed their service life or cannot be used as a result of physical damage are defined as ‘waste batteries’. Emphasizing that batteries, batteries and batteries contain various elements that can be very dangerous for the environment, Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı points out that the heavy metals used in the composition of batteries harm humans, animals and plants. Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı states that waste batteries are recycled in order to protect the receiving environment from harmful emissions, to prevent the heavy metals in their contents from mixing with the soil or water, and to create economic benefits by recycling some precious metals in their content.
Üsküdar University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Chemical Engineering English Department Deputy Leader Dr. Instructor Member Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı; He shared valuable information about the usage areas of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, the effects of the components of the batteries on the environment and recycling formulas.
Mercury Prevents Battery Discharge
Stating that the batteries consist of a negative electrode (anode) and a positive electrode (cathode) and an electrolyte that provides a chemical reaction in the middle of the two electrodes, Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı said, “In other words, devices that convert chemical energy directly into electrical power and store it are defined as batteries. There are different types of batteries on the market. Batteries are divided into wet or dry. In wet cell batteries, the electrolyte is liquid. In dry cell batteries, the electrolyte is in the form of paste or gel. Batteries also contain other chemical aspects to control the chemical reactions inside. The mercury issue, for example, prevents corrosion and discharging the battery itself.” said.
End-of-Life Batteries Must Be Recycled!Batteries Divide In Two Compared to Rechargeability
Stating that it is possible to classify batteries as rechargeable and non-rechargeable, Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı said, “Non-rechargeable zinc batteries are used in low-power devices such as TV remotes and wall clocks. It is compatible with vehicles such as cameras, sphygmomanometers, toy cars, as well as instruments such as alkaline batteries, remote control and clock. Lithium, another non-rechargeable battery type, is used as a memory battery in computer motherboards, electronic scales, glucose meters, water meters, car and door controls. said. Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı continued his words as follows: “There are 4 different battery types with the feature of being charged. Nickel metal hydride (Ni-Mh) batteries; It is used in cordless drills, handheld vacuum cleaners and emergency lighting panels. Lithium-Ion batteries are also preferred in portable phones, laptops and electric cars. Lithium polymer batteries are produced and used in special sizes for portable devices such as tablet computers and navigation. Nickel cadmium batteries are preferred in cordless drills, handheld vacuum cleaners and emergency lighting panels.
They contain heavy metals that are harmful to the environment
Stating that the batteries that have completed their useful life or have become unusable as a result of physical damage are defined as ‘Waste Battery’, Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı said, “Zinc batteries, lithium-ion batteries and alkaline batteries are the types of waste batteries. Batteries, batteries and batteries contain various aspects that can be very dangerous for the environment. The vast majority of this is made up of heavy metals, which harm the environmental environment. Heavy metals used in the composition of batteries are mostly nickel, cadmium, copper, zinc, cobalt and lead. More than one of these metals is harmful to humans, animals and plants. The biggest concern is that these metals or metabolites enter the food chain or adversely affect human health with direct water. For this reason, these residues are collected in developed countries with great care and in different ways. After subjecting it to physical and chemical processes in special waste removal or process centers, it is put back into the economic cycle in order to be recovered in healthy environmental conditions in a form that will not adversely affect the water, soil, air and living environment. The remaining useless part is stored in healthy, special waste storage areas.” said.
There are useful apps for conversion
Emphasizing that the recycling of portable waste batteries has 3 main goals, Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı said, “These are to protect the receiving environment from harmful emissions that may arise from waste batteries, to prevent heavy metals from mixing with soil or water, and to create economic profit by recycling some expensive metals in the batteries. For example, a company in Australia produces fertilizer that can be used for crops from waste batteries. Battery stores in Europe are also obliged to have a recycling bin for batteries. Customers are also encouraged to throw their used batteries into these boxes. In this way, consumed batteries can reach recycling centers without mixing with many other wastes. Recycling methods can be mechanical, hydrometallurgical (chemical/physical) or pyrometallurgical (thermal). (BSHA – Science and Health News Agency)
