Sorption and leaching of lithium ions from aqueous nitrate/ascorbate solution using Dowex 50WX8 sodium form

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this work, Green and sustainable sorption method for Li(I) from nitrate medium using a solid functionalised Na+ form of Dowex 50WX8 resin was developed. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques were used for characterisations of Dowex resin before and after the loading of Li ions. The batch technique describes the effects of the different parameters affecting the sorption process was carried out. The batch experiments were studied using 100 mg/L Li(I) at the selected sorption conditions (shaking time = 30 min, adsorbent weight = 0.125 g, temperature= 25°C, and pH = 1) which give sorption efficiency = 60%. The experimental maximum sorption capacity of Dowex 50WX8-Na+ after one sorption cycle was found to be 15 mg/g . Thermodynamic studies indicated that the sorption of the Li(I) on Dowex 50WX8-Na+ resin is physical and exothermic adsorption with spontaneous nature. The maximum desorption efficiency of 85% and 70% was achieved with 1.0 M phosphoric acid and oxalic acid, respectively. An industrial application for green recycling and recovery of Li(I) from spent Li-ion batteries (LIBs) through its leaching with ascorbic acid (1.25 M) and H2O2 (10%) was performed. Lithium ions were selectively recovered (uptake %= 96%) from the spent Li-ions batteries leachate which contains associated metal ions (Co, Ni, and Mn) with Dowex 50Wx8-Na+ sorbent. A flow sheet that presents the performance of industrial method developed for the recycling and separation of Li(I) from (LIBs) under optimum sorption conditions is also provided.