Nickel Content in Battery Wastewater Using UV Vis Spectroscopy

A Dimethylglyoxime Method Analogous to ISO 4939:2016

This application note describes a method for determining the nickel content in battery wastewater using METTLER TOLEDO's EasyPlus as well as Excellence UV/VIS spectrophotometers.

By downloading this application package, you will receive a PDF of the application note as well as the required data for the LabX™ UV Vis spectrophotometry software method.

What are nickel metal hydride batteries?

Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are the highly advanced and commonly used battery technology in electric (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). These rechargeable batteries use nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH) as cathode, metal hydride (a hydrogen absorbing alloy) as anode, and dilute potassium hydroxide as electrolyte. These batteries are lightweight and durable, hence they are portable, recyclable, rechargeable, and reliable.

Why determine nickel content in battery wastewater?

In the battery manufacturing process, water serves an important role in the production of active materials, additives for batteries, cooling manufacturing equipment, and cleansing batteries. During this process, some part of the water evaporates while the remaining ends up in the wastewater streams that contain nickel along with other heavy metals. Nickel may cause allergies, cardiovascular and kidney illness, lung fibrosis, lung and nasal cancer in humans. Hence it is very important to determine nickel content in battery wastewater.

How to determine nickel content in battery wastewater spectrophotometrically?

Nickel can be determined spectrophotometrically using dimethylglyoxime in an ammoniacal solution. The method is similar to ISO 4939:2016. Iodine added to the samples containing nickel oxidizes nickel (II) ions, which, on further reaction with dimethylglyoxime forms a red-brown complex which can be measured at 445nm. The intensity of the complex formed is directly proportional to the concentration of nickel within the samples. 

 

Nickel Content in Battery Wastewater Using Dimethylglyoxime Method by UV Vis Spectrophotometer
Nickel Content in Battery Wastewater Using Dimethylglyoxime Method by UV Vis Spectrophotometer