Leaching of spent lead acid battery paste components by sodium citrate and acetic acid

► An alternative process that does not involve smelting or electro-winning was developed. ► PbO, PbO2, and PbSO4 can be prepared as Pb3(C6H5O7)2·3H2O with the optimal condition. ► Fast reaction rate and less consumption of sodium citrate are the virtues of this technology.