A New Technique of Lithium Isotope Extraction and Separation: Flotation Complexation Extraction

Flotation complexation extraction can effectively extract and separate lithium isotopes. The effects of nitrogen flow rate, bubble size, gas holdup, reaction flow pattern, aeration time, and temperature on the separation process were studied. In addition, the complex relationship and separation mechanism of lithium with 10-hydroxyquinoline were discussed. Results show that nitrogen flow rate and bubble size significantly affected the flotation complexation extraction process. With an appropriate flow rate, we obtained a homogeneous regime pattern containing small and evenly distributed bubbles to achieve better separation efficiency and ensure a smooth extraction process. According to the slope method, lithium and 10-hydroxybenzoquinoline were complexed and extracted at a ratio of 1: 2. Compared with the traditional oscillating extraction, the bubble mass transfer mode in the flotation complexation extraction strengthened the complex extraction process and achieved higher extraction rate and separation efficiency.