STUDY OF THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL FUNDAMENTALS OF LITHIUM CARBONATE PRODUCTION FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTE

This study investigates the physicochemical fundamentals of lithium carbonate production from industrial waste materials, including spent lithium-containing batteries and alkaline wastewater generated during liquid rubber production. The influence of roasting temperature, leaching conditions and carbonation parameters on lithium extraction efficiency and lithium carbonate crystallization was systematically studied. Thermal treatment of lithium-containing materials was carried out at temperatures ranging from 450 to 750°C, followed by hydrometallurgical leaching and controlled carbonation processes. Experimental results demonstrated that roasting temperature significantly affects lithium phase transformation and subsequent extraction efficiency. The highest lithium recovery, approximately 80%, was achieved under optimized leaching conditions at moderate calcination temperatures. Carbonation and evaporation processes promoted efficient crystallization of lithium carbonate with a purity exceeding 99%. X-ray diffraction and chemical analyses confirmed the formation of high-purity crystalline lithium carbonate with minimal impurity content. The obtained results indicate that industrial waste materials can serve as promising secondary lithium resources for environmentally sustainable lithium carbonate production. The developed approach contributes to resource conservation, reduction of environmental pollution and improvement of secondary raw material utilization technologies.