Abstract

Methods and systems for producing lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate are described. One or more embodiments involve reacting potassium hydroxide with lithium chloride or lithium nitrate to create a reciprocal salt system, and precipitation to form lithium hydroxide and potassium chloride crystals, potassium nitrate crystals, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, lithium chloride feedstock, nitrate feedstock, or mixture thereof, is obtained by reacting lithium sulfate with calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, or combination thereof. Additional embodiments include producing lithium carbonate, including, but not limited to, by reacting lithium hydroxide with carbon dioxide.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01D 9/00 - Crystallisation
• B01D 21/00 - Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
• B01D 21/26 - Separation of sediment aided by centrifugal force
• C01B 7/01 - Chlorine; Hydrogen chloride
• C01D 1/20 - Preparation by reacting oxides or hydroxides with alkali metal salts
• C01D 15/02 - Oxides; Hydroxides
• C01D 15/08 - Carbonates; Bicarbonates
• C25B 1/46 - Simultaneous production of alkali metal hydroxides and chlorine, oxyacids or salts of chlorine, e.g. by chlor-alkali electrolysis in diaphragm cells
• C25B 15/08 - Supplying or removing reactants or electrolytes; Regeneration of electrolytes