Recovery of Rare Earth Metals REMs from

Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are extensively used in the manufacturing of portable electronic devices as well as electric vehicles due to their specific properties including high energy density, precise volume, and resistance to overcharge. These NiMH batteries contain significant amounts of rare earth metals (REMs) along with Co and Ni which are often discarded due to illegal dumping and improper recycling practices. In light of their strategic, economic, and industrial importance and to address the demand and supply gap of REMs amidst the limited availability of natural resources, exploration of secondary resources of REMs is essential. This study investigates the recovery of REMs from spent NiMH batteries, employing a systematic approach that includes an analysis of the battery composition and the development of efficient separation techniques. Results demonstrate the feasibility of recovering economically valuable REMs, thereby not only reducing environmental hazards associated with battery waste but also contributing to sustainable resource management. The findings underscore the potential for enhancing recycling efforts and resource recovery from used batteries, thus promoting circular economy principles in the context of rare earth metals exploitation.