Abstract
Processing of petalite concentrate from the Bikita deposits in Zimbabwe for production of high-purity Li 2CO 3 has been studied. XRF and ICP-OES analysis showed that the concentrate consists of oxides of Li, Si, and Al as major components, with an average Li 2O content of 4.10%. XRD examination confirmed that the sample is a petalite. Processing of the petalite involves roasting the pre-heated concentrate with concentrated H 2SO 4 followed by water leaching of the resulting Li 2SO 4, solution purification and precipitation of Li 2CO 3. The effects of roasting temperature, stirring speed, solid to liquid ratio, leaching temperature and time on the lithium dissolution are reported. The dissolution rates are significantly influenced by roasting temperature and stirring speed. Water-washed lithium carbonate with a purity of 99.21% (metal basis) was produced. Synthesised and commercial Li 2CO 3 samples were characterised and compared using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
