Concentration-Driven Crystal Growth and Structure–Property Relationships in PbMoO₄ Synthesized from Recycled Lead–Acid Batteries

The more and more used lead-acid batteries in storage is bad for the environment, but it also means that valuable metal-containing materials can be recovered and used in new materials. In this study, a concentration-controlled precipitation method was proposed for the recovery of lead as lead molybdate (PbMoO4) from spent lead-acid batteries. The relationships between precursor concentration, crystalline structure, surface properties, thermal behavior, and physical properties were also discussed. Desulfurization and leaching of lead in the battery paste with acetic acid were performed to obtain a lead precursor solution. Then, the mixture of precursor solution and sodium molybdate was prepared to produce PbMoO4. Four samples, designated PM-C1, PM-C2, PM-C3, and PM-C4, are prepared using equimolar precursor concentrations of 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 M, respectively, at a constant precipitation temperature of 60°C. The structural properties of the powders are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) test and the vibrational properties of molybdate groups are investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). To study packing and pore structure it is proposed to determine the bulk density and apparent porosity of ceramic compacts prepared in the same way.