Conversion of Lithium Chloride into Lithium Hydroxide by Solvent Extraction.
Viet Tu Nguyen1, Clio Deferm1, Ward Caytan1
1Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Box 2404, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy
|March 20, 2023
Summary
This study presents a novel hydrometallurgical process for converting lithium chloride to lithium hydroxide using solvent extraction. The efficient method yields battery-grade lithium hydroxide with minimal waste generation.
Area of Science:
- Hydrometallurgy
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Lithium hydroxide is a critical material for battery production.
- Existing methods for lithium hydroxide production can be energy-intensive and generate waste.
- Efficient and sustainable synthesis routes are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel hydrometallurgical process for efficient conversion of lithium chloride to lithium hydroxide.
- To optimize the solvent extraction system for high-purity lithium hydroxide production.
- To demonstrate the process in a continuous mode and assess its waste profile.
Main Methods:
- Solvent extraction using a quaternary ammonium chloride (Aliquat 336) and 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol in Shellsol D70.
- A two-step anion exchange process involving sodium hydroxide and lithium chloride solutions.
- Continuous counter-current operation in mixer-settlers.
- Purification of lithium hydroxide via crystallization or antisolvent precipitation.
Main Results:
- Successful conversion of aqueous lithium chloride to lithium hydroxide solution.
- Optimized organic phase composition (1:1 molar ratio of Aliquat 336 and 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol) achieved high efficiency.
- Demonstrated continuous operation yielding battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate.
- The process generates only an aqueous sodium chloride solution as a byproduct.
Conclusions:
- The described hydrometallurgical process offers a sustainable and efficient route for lithium hydroxide production.
- The solvent extraction system is effective for chloride/hydroxide anion exchange.
- The process is suitable for industrial scale-up with minimal environmental impact.
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