Research progress of lithium extraction technology from lepidolite

Lepidolite is an important sources of lithium extraction from ore, which has the advantages of low cost and abundant domestic ore resources, but the development of its industrial application is hindered by certain disadvantages of lithium extraction process of lepidolite. In this paper, we analyzed the present lithium extraction technology of lepidolite and classified the lithium extraction process into acid process, alkaline process, salt process, pressure cooking method and other new methods, and compared the principle, process flow and advantages and disadvantages of different lithium extraction methods. The acid process has a high lithium extraction rate and a small amount of waste residue, but the composition in the leachate is complex and difficult to separate and purify. The alkaline process is simple and has a high lithium extraction rate, but requires high equipment requirements. The salt process has good applicability and higher lithium extraction rate, but the cost is higher, the amount of waste residue is large, and the waste gas produced will pollute the environment. The pressure cooking method has the advantages of simple process and higher lithium leaching rate, but the reaction conditions are harsh. In view of the above lithium extraction processes, all of them have their advantages and disadvantages. A comprehensive analysis of production conditions, cost and environmental protection is required to select a suitable lithium extraction process for industrial application. © 2023 Central South University of Technology. All rights reserved.