A Novel Two-step Adsorption–flotation Process Applied to the Efficient Extraction and Precise Separation of Rb+ and Cs+ from Lithium–extraction Tailings

Abstract Rb+ and Cs+ are important components of lepidolite lithium–extraction tailings. However, efficient extraction and separation of Rb+ and Cs+ are difficult. We developed a two-step adsorption–flotation strategy for extraction and separation of Rb+ and Cs+. This new strategy enabled extraction of Rb+ and Cs+ from lithium–extraction tailings with efficiencies >99% and the Cs+/Rb+ separation ratio was 20:1. These findings will shed light on the efficient extraction and precise separation of Rb+ and Cs+ in liquid minerals.