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Unlocking Battery-Grade MnSO4 via Synergistic Chelator Regulation: Molecular Insights into Inhibiting Ca/Mg
Wenrui Zhang1, Yurong Kang1, Jukai Tan1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China.
ACS Omega
|July 24, 2026
Summary
A novel crystallization method using multidentate chelators (DTPA and CA) efficiently removes calcium and magnesium impurities from manganese sulfate. This breakthrough enhances battery-grade manganese sulfate production with reduced energy consumption.
Area of Science:
- Inorganic Synthesis
- Coordination Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Selective removal of divalent cations (Ca2+, Mg2+) from manganese (Mn2+) is crucial for battery-grade MnSO4 production.
- Existing purification methods are energy-intensive due to similar ion properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a selective and energy-efficient strategy for purifying manganese sulfate.
- To address the challenge of removing Ca2+ and Mg2+ impurities from MnSO4 feedstock.
Main Methods:
- Synergistic use of multidentate chelators: diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and citric acid (CA).
- Integration of chelators into a conventional crystallization process.
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations for mechanistic understanding.
Main Results:
- Achieved 94.6% Ca2+ and 95.1% Mg2+ removal efficiencies.
- Reduced purification to two crystallization cycles, significantly lowering energy footprint.
- Produced battery-grade MnSO4 meeting stringent purity requirements.
Conclusions:
- The chelator cocktail effectively sequesters Ca2+ and Mg2+, preventing co-crystallization.
- This molecular-level design offers a general platform for advanced inorganic material purification.
- Demonstrated a fundamental advance in applying coordination chemistry to control crystallization.
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