Lithium Adsorptive Properties of a New Selective Adsorbent Derived from Li_1.33Mn_1.67O₄

Abstract

A new selective adsorbent was prepared by the acid treatlnent of Li_1.33Mn_1.67O₄ with spinel structure, followed by granulation with PVC as a binder. The absorbent showed the highest capacities for lithium from seawater; the equilibrium lithium uptakes reached 25.5mg·g^-1 by the powdered adsorbent and 18 mg·g^-1 by the granulated one at 25°C. The column adsorption study with the granulated adsorbent (diameter 0.7-1.4mm) showed that the lithium uptake reached about 14 mg°g^-1 by passing seawater for 30 days. This lithium content is nearly equal to that of lithium ore. Although the lithium adsorption capacity of the granulated adsorbent decrensed slightly by repeating the adsorption-desorption cycle, it kept a high capacity as well as a high strength against abrasion during the repetition of 10 cycles.