Simple process for lithium extraction from α-spodumene with potassium fluoride: Modeling and optimization

Abstract

New developments in energy storage technologies have positioned lithium as a critical energy element worldwide. For this reason, it is relevant to investigate new processes that exploit Li resources comprehensively and efficiently. This work describes a simple methodology for Li extraction by solid-solid reaction between α-spodumene and KF and subsequent leaching. The operational parameters investigated were: temperature, calcination time, and amount of fluorinating agent. The process efficiency was analyzed through Design of Experiments (DOE) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to obtain a predictive model of the system. Optimal Li extraction of 94% was achieved at 779 °C, 43 min, with a KF/spodumene ratio of 0.56 w/w.