Thermodynamics and phase transformations in the recovery of zinc from willemite

Willemite is a common component of zinc and lead metallurgical slags that, in the absence of effective utilization methods, cause serious environmental problems. To solve this problem and increase zinc recovery, we proposed a novel extraction method of zinc from willemite by calcified roasting followed by leaching in NH_4 Cl–NH_3·H_2 O solution. The thermodynamics and phase conversion of Zn_2 Si O_4 to zinc oxide(ZnO) during calcified roasting with CaO were investigated. The mechanism of mineralogical phase conversion and the effects of the CaO-to-Zn_2 Si O_4 mole ratio(n(Ca O)/n(Zn_2 Si O_4)), roasting temperature, and the roasting time on zinc-bearing phase conversion were experimentally investigated. The results show that Zn_2 Si O_4 was first converted to Ca_2 Zn Si_2 O_7 and then to ZnO. The critical step in extracting zinc from willemite is the conversion of Zn_2 Si O_4 to ZnO. The zinc percent leached in the ammonia leaching system rapidly increased because of the gradual complete phase conversion from willemite to ZnO via the calcified roasting process.

Incorporating Simulated Zinc Ash by Kaolinite-and Sludge-based Ceramics:Phase Transformation and Product Leachability

Zinc is one of the hazardous metals commonly found in municipal solid waste incineration （MSWI） ash, and this study reveals the stabilization mechanisms when sintering zinc-laden ash and ceramic precursors as a waste-to-resource strategy. Using ZnO to simulate the zinc-laden ash and sintering with kaolinite and mullite ce- ramic precursors, both zinc aluminate spinel （ZnA1204） and willemite （Zn2SiO4） phases were found in the products under the tested thermal conditions. The results also indicate that kaolinite and mullite precursors exhibit different incorporation behavior, and ZnA1204 and Zn2SiO4 were found to be competitive as the Zn-hosting phases in the system. A prolonged leaching test was used to evaluate the leachability of potential product phases in the system. The concentrations of zinc in ZnO and Zn2SiO4 leachates were about two orders of magnitude higher than that in ZnA1204 leachate, indicating the preference of forming ZnA1204 for zinc stabilization. Furthermore, the alumi- num-rich sludge generated from waterworks could be beneficially used as a material resource to stabilize zinc in this study. The X-ray diffraction （XRD） pattern collected from the 1150 ~C and 3-h sintered sample shows the suc- cess of incorporating zinc into the ZnA1204 spinel structure with waterworks sludge precursor. The formation of ZnA1204 indicates a strong potential for employing aluminum- and silicon-based materials to thermally immobilize zinc and achieve the beneficial use of metal-laden MSWI ash.