An extensive experimental campaign on Li recovery from
relatively
dilute LiCl solutions (i.e., Li+ ∼ 4000 ppm) is
presented to identify the best operating conditions for a Li2CO3 crystallization unit. Lithium is currently mainly
produced via solar evaporation, purification, and precipitation from
highly concentrated Li brines located in a few world areas. The process
requires large surfaces and long times (18–24 months) to concentrate
Li+ up to 20,000 ppm. The present work investigates two
separation routes to extract Li+ from synthetic solutions,
mimicking those obtained from low-content Li+ sources through
selective Li+ separation and further concentration steps:
(i) addition of Na2CO3 solution and (ii) addition
of NaOH solution + CO2 insufflation. A Li recovery up to
80% and purities up to 99% at 80 °C and with high-ionic strength
solutions was achieved employing NaOH solution + CO2 insufflation
and an ethanol washing step.
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