Effect of Cycles and Ion-Exchange on the Purification of Lithium Carbonate

Abstract:

In this study, high-purity Li₂CO₃ was prepared by carbonation-decomposition and ion-exchange methods using the industrial-grade lithium carbonate, and the effect of cycles and ion-exchange of the mother liquor on purification was investigated. Results showed that the process of cycles can improve the purity and productivity of Li₂CO₃. The impurities (such as K, Na, Ca and Mg) could be removed in the process. The purity of product decreased and the impurity contents increased after 4 cycles. At the same time, the ion-exchange process by D412 resin was used to deeply remove the residual Ca and Mg after the simple carbonation-decomposition and cycle process. The comparison of different flowing speed of solution through the ion-exchange resin indicated that the low flowing speed was beneficial for the deep removal of the Ca and Mg. considering the problem of efficiency, the flowing speed of 10-20 ml/min was appropriate. The high purity and productivity of Li₂CO₃ indicated that the carbonation-decomposition method combining with the mother liquor cycles and ion-exchange method has a good perspective in the field of lithium carbonate purification.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 443-444)
• Pages: 594-600
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.443-444.594
• Online since: January 2012
• Authors: Jian Wu, Yao Chun Yao, Yong Nian Dai, Bin Yang
• Keywords: Carbonation Decomposition, Cycles, Ion-Exchange

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