[Spectral studies of novel Na specific adsorbent Li(1+x)Al(x)Ti(2-x)(PO4)3]

A novel Na specific adsorbent Li(1+x)Al(x)Ti(2-x)(PO4)3 was synthesized by high temperature solid state reaction method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD) and scanning electron microscope(SEM). Raman and FTIR spectroscopic studies of these materials were carried out, and the vibrational bands were assigned. Their adsorption performances were investigated. The results indicate that the low concentration (x < 0.6) Al dopant does not affect the structure of the material but makes it able to selectively adsorb sodium. The adsorbing test results show that its exchange capacity is high with the maximum value of adsorption capacity of 11.76 mg x g(-1) at x = 0.4 and pH = 10.0-11.0. So it can be used to remove the microamounts impurity-sodium in the production of high purity lithium salt.