Influencing the froth flotation of LiAlO₂ and melilite solid solution with ionic liquids

Area of Science:

• Mineral Processing
• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Efficient recovery of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries is crucial for sustainable resource management.
• Aluminosilicate minerals are important primary resources requiring optimized beneficiation techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of various ionic liquids (ILs) as flotation collectors for LiAlO2 and melilite s.s.
• To compare IL performance against conventional collectors and investigate the influence of IL chemical structure on flotation.
• To explore pre-functionalization strategies using cholesterol derivatives for enhanced mineral flotation.

Main Methods:

• Single mineral flotation experiments were conducted using seven ionic liquids.
• Selected ILs (IL-1, IL-7) were further tested for optimal dosage and pH.
• Comparative flotation tests were performed with naphthenic acid and FS-2.
• The effect of different IL anions on flotation was systematically analyzed.
• Pre-functionalization studies involved cholesterylsulfate and cholesterylphosphate.

Main Results:

• Ionic liquids, particularly IL-1 and IL-7, demonstrated effective flotation of LiAlO2 and melilite s.s.
• Anion hardness was identified as a critical factor influencing flotation efficiency.
• Cholesteryl derivatives showed potential in pre-functionalization for mineral flotation.
• IL performance was comparable or superior to conventional collectors in specific conditions.

Conclusions:

• Ionic liquids represent a viable alternative to conventional collectors in mineral flotation, especially for lithium-bearing materials.
• Tailoring IL structure, specifically the anion, is key to optimizing flotation performance.
• Pre-functionalization offers a novel approach to enhance the selectivity and efficiency of flotation processes.