Lithium extraction from limestone is a process that involves the use of limestone, heat and chemicals to extract pure lithium from limestone. The basic process of limestone extraction from limestone involves heating limestone to around 900°C, which can release the same amount of energy as burning 200 kg of tnt.
The first step in the extraction process is a process called thermal decomposition, or calcination, which takes place when limestone is heated to 900°C. As it is heated, the calcium carbonate in the limestone decomposes, releasing carbon dioxide and calcium oxide, which is also known as quicklime. This quicklime is the primary material used in the chemical process for extracting lithium from limestone.
Once the quicklime is produced, it is then passed through a cooling process to help reduce contaminants and further purify the quicklime. This cooled quicklime is then reacted with water to form calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide. This calcium hydroxide is then further reacted with water to form calcium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide, which is the primary material used for extracting lithium from limestone.
The lithium hydroxide produced in this reaction can then be reacted with hydrochloric acid to produce lithium chloride, which is the pure lithium compound needed for extraction. This lithium chloride can be separated from the other materials by using distillation, chromatography or other purification processes.
Once the pure lithium chloride is obtained, it can be further reacted with sodium carbonate to produce lithium carbonate, which is the end-product of the process of extracting lithium from limestone. This lithium carbonate can then be used as an ingredient in various products, such as electric car batteries and other energy storage materials.
Using the thermal decomposition process to extract lithium from limestone is a fairly simple and cost-effective process when compared to other methods, such as solvent extraction. It also produces a high-quality, pure product that can be used in various industries.
In general, extracting lithium from limestone is a relatively simple and cost-effective process. Since limestone is widely available and the process does not require expensive machinery or specialized equipment, it is often seen as an attractive option for many industries. As the demand for lithium increases, the process of extracting lithium from limestone is also likely to rise in importance.
