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Structure and Crystallization Behavior of Aqueous K2SO4-MgSO4 Solutions
Yifa Du1,2, Fayan Zhu1, Ruirui Liu1
1Key Laboratory of Comprehensive and Highly Efficient Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Key Laboratory of Salt Lake Resources Chemistry of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|January 22, 2026
Summary
Efficient potassium extraction from brine relies on understanding solution structures. Adding MgSO4 disrupts water networks, forming clusters that slow water loss and delay K2SO4 crystallization, aiding resource utilization.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Efficient utilization of potassium resources in Salt Lake brine is crucial.
- Understanding solution structural characteristics and crystallization behavior is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate ionic hydration and binding structures in K2SO4-MgSO4 mixed solutions.
- Analyze the crystallization behavior of mixed solution droplets.
- Correlate structural characteristics with crystallization.
Main Methods:
- Synchrotron X-ray scattering to study ionic hydration and binding.
- In situ Raman spectroscopy to observe crystallization behavior of droplets.
- Analysis of water loss rates under varying humidity.
Main Results:
- Increased MgSO4 disrupts the solution's hydrogen bond network.
- Mg2+ competes with K+ for SO42-, altering binding forms and forming multi-ion clusters.
- Under low humidity, colloidal structures form, significantly reducing water loss rates (60-92%).
- Colloidal interfacial layers delay K2SO4 nucleation and crystallization.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a theoretical basis for extracting potassium sulfate from sulfate-type Salt Lake brine.
- Structural changes induced by MgSO4 are critical for controlling crystallization and water loss.
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