Optimization of an innovative approach involving mechanical activation and acid digestion for the extraction of lithium from lepidolite

The recovery of lithium from hard rock minerals has received increased attention given the high demand for this element. There- fore, this study optimized an innovative process, which does not require a high-temperature calcination step, for lithium extraction from le- pidolite. Mechanical activation and acid digestion were suggested as crucial process parameters, and experimental design and re- sponse-surface methodology were applied to model and optimize the proposed lithium extraction process. The promoting effect of amorphi- zation and the formation of lithium sulfate hydrate on lithium extraction yield were assessed. Several factor combinations led to extraction yields that exceeded 90%, indicating that the proposed process is an effective approach for lithium recovery.

Characterizing Atomic Interactions in Interstitial Non-Stoichiometric Compounds by Statistical Thermodynamics: Engineering Usage of Estimated Values of Statistical Thermodynamic Parameters

Statistical thermodynamics allows us to estimate atomistic interactions in interstitial non-stoichiometric compounds MXx through analysis of experimentally determined pressure-temperature-composition (PTC) relationships for MXx being in equilibrium with X2 in gaseous state?(X=H,N,P or S)?or for non-stoichiometric carbide MCx being in equilibrium with excess C. In case of analysis for MCx, chemical activity a(C) of C in place of partial pressure p(X2) of X2 gas must be known. On statistical modelling of crystal lattice structure for MXx, an a priori assumption of constant nearest-neighbour X-X interaction energy E(X-X) within a homogeneity composition range at arbitrary temperature T was accepted to determine number θ of available interstitial sites for occupation by X atoms per M atom. Values of interaction parame-ters estimated as such appear rational and realistic noting consistency of the values for M’s in the same group in the Periodic Table of the Elements and compatibility with enthalpy values evaluated by conventional thermodynamic approach. Engineering insights gained for MXx through analysis of atomistic interaction parameter values evaluated by the statistical thermodynamics are reviewed comprehensively in this paper. M might be substitutional alloy A1-yBy composed of constituents, A and B, or MZz containing another interstitial constituent Z besides X. Insights acquired from this line of statistical thermodynamic analysis appear to be of pragmatic use for advanced alloy design as shall be demonstrated hereafter.