Work

Efficient extraction of rare earth elements from coal-series kaolin by combining alkali fusion and sulfamic acid leaching

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: As a solid waste produced by coal mining, the comprehensive utilization of coal-series kaolin is the focus of attention. In this paper, the extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) from coal-series kaolin was carried out by alkali fusion and sulfamic acid leaching. The occurrence modes of REEs in coal-series kaolin was analyzed by means of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analyse and sequential chemical extraction. The influence of alkali fusion conditions on the leaching of REEs was investigated, and the activation mechanism of alkali fusion was revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analysis. In addition, the effect of key operating parameters on the leaching efficiency of REEs from coal-series kaolin was further investigated. The results show that REEs mainly existed in silicate & aluminosilicate state of coal-series kaolin. The mineral structure was destroyed by alkali fusion, and the leaching efficiency of REEs was increased by 59.08 %. At the sulfamic acid concentration of 0.5 mol/L, H 2 O 2 concentration of 0.2 mol/L, solid to liquid ratio of 1/50, the leaching efficiencies of total rare earth elements , light rare earth elements and heavy rare earth elements were 84.91 %, 88.43 % and 71.03 %, respectively.

Source: Process Safety and Environmental Protection

DOI: 10.1016/j.psep.2024.08.103

Authors: Lingtao Zhu, Jingfeng He, Linghua Chen, Bin Yang

Institution: China University of Mining and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Extraction and Separation Processes

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,500