Arend Groen

James G Blencoe

An improved beta(β)-spodumene (˜LiAlSiO) nitric acid conversion process produces discrete lithium (Li), aluminum (Al) and silica (SiO) materials by: (i) converting lithium nitrate, LiNO, to lithium carbonate, LiCO; (ii) creating a Al-rich precipitate either by thermally decomposing aluminum nitrate, Al(NO), or by reacting Al(NO)with aqueous and/or solid ammonium carbonate, (NH)CO; and (iii) forming a solid SiO-rich aluminosilicate residue by selectively leaching Li and Al from β-spodumene. Three key reactants consumed during processing—nitric acid (HNO), ammonia (NH), and magnesium oxide (MgO)—may be regenerated internally by closed-loop chemical cycles, this feature of the process greatly improving its economics in commercial applications.

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Kingston, TN, United States of America

Arend Groen