Systems and methods of leaching lithium using sodium sulfate
The use of sodium sulfate with lithium hydroxide in a high-nickel alloy reactor addresses the disposal challenge of sodium sulfate byproducts, enhancing lithium yield and reducing costs through recycling and process simplification.
WO2026064116A1 Publication Date: 2026-03-26ALBEMARLE CORP
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Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/US2025/044569
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-09-23
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-26
AI Technical Summary
Technical Problem
The disposal of sodium sulfate byproducts from lithium hydroxide production is challenging due to its high solubility in water, making it difficult to find outlets and increasing disposal costs.
Method used
A leaching process using sodium sulfate with lithium hydroxide as a base in a high-nickel alloy reactor, eliminating sulfuric acid roast, water leaching, and sodium sulfate purification steps, and recycling sodium sulfate for reuse.
Benefits of technology
This process maintains high lithium yield while minimizing corrosion and solid deposition, reducing the need for virgin base and lowering operational costs by recycling sodium sulfate.
✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.
Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of leaching lithium sources using sodium sulfate. The process can include mixing a lithium source, a first sodium sulfate, and lithium hydroxide in a reactor and leaching the lithium source in the mixture in the reactor to form residual solids and a lithium sulfate leachate.
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