Process for the purification of lithium carbonate
US6048507A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/20
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Disclosed are methods for preparing high purity lithium carbonate which can be used for pharmaceutical applications, electronic grade crystals of lithium or to prepare battery-grade lithium metal. Lithium carbonate as commercially produced from mineral extraction, lithium-containing brines or sea water, in aqueous solution is used as a feedstock and reacted with carbon dioxide under pressure to form dissolved lithium bicarbonate. Impurities in the lithium carbonate feedstock are either solubilized or precipitated out. Dissolved impurities are physically separated from the lithium bicarbonate using an ion selective means, such as an ion exchange material, or by liquid--liquid extraction. Purified lithium carbonate is then precipitated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.