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Controlled Particle Size Distribution in Ultrasound-Assisted Lithium Carbonate Precipitation
Doni Riski Aprilianto1, Indra Perdana1, Irwan Endrayanto Aluicius2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Unversitas Gadjah Mada, Jalan Grafika No. 2 Kampus UGM Bulaksumur, D.I. Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia.
ACS Omega
|August 4, 2025
Summary
Ultrasound-assisted precipitation precisely controls lithium carbonate particle size and morphology from spent batteries. This sonocrystallization method yields high-purity, non-agglomerated particles meeting battery-grade standards.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Recycling lithium-ion batteries is crucial for sustainable energy.
- Battery-grade lithium carbonate requires specific particle size and morphology.
- Conventional precipitation methods often result in agglomerated particles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ultrasound-assisted precipitation (sonocrystallization) for controlled lithium carbonate particle formation.
- To precisely control particle size distribution and morphology of Li2CO3 precipitates.
- To develop a kinetic model for sonocrystallization of Li2CO3.
Main Methods:
- Sonocrystallization with controlled ultrasound power and temperature.
- Kinetic analysis using population balance and compartment-based discretization.
- Experimental validation of simulated particle size distribution.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound power reduction of particle size and improved uniformity.
- Lower temperatures promoted smaller particles due to endothermic crystallization.
- Optimal conditions (320 W, 90 °C) yielded particles meeting industrial specifications (d10=2.85 μm, d50=5.5 μm, d90=14.55 μm).
- Sonocrystallization produced non-agglomerated particles, unlike conventional stirring.
Conclusions:
- Sonocrystallization offers precise control over lithium carbonate particle characteristics.
- The developed kinetic model accurately simulates particle size distribution.
- This method supports scalable recovery of battery-grade lithium carbonate from secondary sources.
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