Novel extraction route of lithium from α-spodumene by dry chlorination

Fosu, Allen Yushark; Kanari, Ndue; Bartier, Danièle; Vaughan, James; Chagnes, Alexandre

doi:10.1039/d2ra03233c

Cited by 17 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 46 publications

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“…25 shows the comparison of flowcharts to extract lithium from brines and spodumene. Figure 4b shows the state-of-the-art Li extraction from spodumene ores, compared with this work 15,17,28,52,53 . In traditional leaching, high temperature and chemical agent concentration are the driving forces for extracting Li +13 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Direct extraction of lithium from ores by electrochemical leaching

Zhang,

Han,

Lai

et al. 2024

Nat Commun

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With the rapid increase in lithium consumption for electric vehicle applications, its price soared during the past decade. To secure a reliable and cost-effective supply chain, it is critical to unlock alternative lithium extraction resources beyond conventional brine. In this study, we develop an electrochemical method to directly leach lithium from α-phase spodumene. We find the H2O2 promoter can significantly reduce the leaching potential by facilitating the electron transfer and changing the reaction path. Upon leaching, β-phase spodumene shows a typical phase transformation to HAlSi2O6, while leached α-phase remains its original crystal phase with a lattice shrinkage. To demonstrate the scale-up potential of electrochemical leaching, we design a catalyst-modified high-throughput current collector for high loading of suspended spodumene, achieving a leaching current of 18 mA and a leaching efficiency of 92.2%. Electrochemical leaching will revolutionize traditional leaching and recycling processes by minimizing the environmental footprint and energy consumption.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Direct extraction of lithium from ores by electrochemical leaching

Zhang,

Han,

Lai

et al. 2024

Nat Commun

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“…66 In another study, Fosu et al applied a similar methodology on α-spodumene which resulted in an extraction efficiency of 90% under optimal conditions of a 1:2 molar ratio of ore/CaCl 2 , T = 1000 °C and t = 60 min. 45 Herein, a slight decrease in extraction efficiency was attributed to the recovery of Li from dry effluent, i.e., gaseous dust. However, the interesting aspect of this work was the revelation of Li-extraction from α-phase rather than β-phase, speculating the fast transform of α → β, which will be converted to LiCl.…”

Section: Recovery Technologiesmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…In another study, Fosu et al. applied a similar methodology on α-spodumene which resulted in an extraction efficiency of 90% under optimal conditions of a 1:2 molar ratio of ore/CaCl 2 , T = 1000 °C and t = 60 min . Herein, a slight decrease in extraction efficiency was attributed to the recovery of Li from dry effluent, i.e., gaseous dust.…”

Section: Recovery Technologiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Australia’s Spodumene: Advances in Lithium Extraction Technologies, Decarbonization, and Circular Economy

Asif,

Li,

Lim

et al. 2024

Ind. Eng. Chem. Res.

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Among all of the lithium-bearing minerals, spodumene possesses the highest theoretical lithium abundance. Since the 1990s, Australia, with the world's largest spodumene (LiAl(SiO 3 ) 2 ) reserves, has been producing lithium as a mineral concentrate rather than a refined product. Nevertheless, the country is now moving forward to fortify its processing facilities, aligning with the vision for greener energy. This review provides a comprehensive outlook on the current status of spodumene reserves and their processing facilities along with potential expansion in the future. Spodumene processing requires several metallurgical processes ranging from salt roasting to acid leaching. However, the conventional industrial practices for Li-extraction from ores result in excessive pressure on resources, energy, and waste management. Considering these factors as an indicator of a circular economy, the process of lithium extraction should be simplified. In such a context, different practices for Li-extraction from spodumene are exemplified by recent technological advancements. Afterward, strategies for decarbonization, waste management, and environmental aspects were provided, with a perspective of circular economy. This review is expected to serve as a reference for research and development for potential industrial applications in ore processing especially for spodumene.

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“…The main impurities are the alkali metal chlorides NaCl and KCl, and the alkaline earth-metal chlorides MgCl 2 and CaCl 2 . LiCl can be prepared from spodumene by chlorination roasting with CaCl 2 [13][14][15]. Direct chlorination of spodumene by chlorine gas gives results similar to those of CaCl 2 roasting [16].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Conversion of Lithium Chloride into Lithium Hydroxide by Solvent Extraction

Nguyen

Deferm

Caytan

et al. 2022

J. Sustain. Metall.

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A hydrometallurgical process is described for conversion of an aqueous solution of lithium chloride into an aqueous solution of lithium hydroxide via a chloride/hydroxide anion exchange reaction by solvent extraction. The organic phase comprises a quaternary ammonium chloride and a hydrophobic phenol in a diluent. The best results were observed for a mixture of the quaternary ammonium chloride Aliquat 336 and 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (1:1 molar ratio) in the aliphatic diluent Shellsol D70. The solvent extraction process involves two steps. In the first step, the organic phase is contacted with an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The phenol is deprotonated, and a chloride ion is simultaneously transferred to the aqueous phase, leading to in situ formation of a quaternary ammonium phenolate in the organic phase. The organic phase, comprising the quaternary ammonium phenolate, is contacted in the second step with an aqueous lithium chloride solution. This contact converts the phenolate into the corresponding phenol by protonation with water extracted to the organic phase, followed by a transfer of hydroxide ions to the aqueous phase and chloride ions to the organic phase. As a result, the aqueous lithium chloride solution is transformed into a lithium hydroxide solution. The process has been demonstrated in continuous counter-current mode in mixer–settlers. Solid battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate was obtained from the aqueous solution by crystallization or by antisolvent precipitation with isopropanol. The process consumes no chemicals other than sodium hydroxide. No waste is generated, with the exception of an aqueous sodium chloride solution. Graphical Abstract

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Novel extraction route of lithium from α-spodumene by dry chlorination

Abstract: Processing spodumene for lithium is challenging as it requires a high temperature transformation of the natural α-monoclinic form to β-tetragonal form, usually followed by acid baking and digestion.

Cited by 17 publications

References 46 publications

Direct extraction of lithium from ores by electrochemical leaching

Direct extraction of lithium from ores by electrochemical leaching

Australia’s Spodumene: Advances in Lithium Extraction Technologies, Decarbonization, and Circular Economy

Conversion of Lithium Chloride into Lithium Hydroxide by Solvent Extraction

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