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

Abstract As an innovative route, in this research, to synthesize CdO nanoparticles, firstly the anode materials of the spent Ni–Cd batteries was leached by H 2 SO 4 , secondly the CdO nano-particles’ precursor (Otavite (CdCO 3 ) powder) obtained from the leaching solution by Na 2 CO 3 addition, and finally the CdO nanoparticles synthesized by thermal decomposition of the precursor at 500 °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.