What are the commonly used extractants for lithium extraction?

Extractants commonly used in the extraction of lithium include organic phosphoric acids, amides, carboxylic acids, carbonates, amino acids, and the like.
1. organic phosphoric acid
Organic phosphoric acid is one of the most commonly used extractants for lithium extraction, which is widely used in the extraction of lithium quartz, lithium-rich mica and silicate minerals. As a complexing agent, organic phosphoric acid has good selectivity and extraction efficiency in lithium deposits, and can reduce environmental pollution.

2. amide
Amide is an important aromatic compound with good solubility and thermal stability. In the extraction of lithium, the commonly used amide ligands include formimide, benzimide, etc., which effectively improve the efficiency and selectivity of lithium extraction.

3. carboxylic acid
Carboxylic acid is also a commonly used extractant for lithium extraction due to its strong coordination ability. The carboxylic acid molecular structure contains one or more carboxyl groups, which can form a relatively stable complex with lithium ions. In the process of mineral extraction, the use of carboxylic acid can improve the extraction rate of lithium in minerals.

4. carbonate
Carbonate is an important organic alkaline fluid commonly used in mineral extraction. In the extraction of lithium, carbonate can effectively improve the solubility of lithium in the aqueous phase, thereby improving the extraction efficiency and selectivity of lithium.

5. amino acids
Amino acid is a kind of natural biological molecules, which has relatively good environmental compatibility and biodegradability, and is a new lithium extractant in recent years. Amino acids have good selectivity and purification ability in lithium deposits, and can reduce environmental pollution.

In general, common extractants for extracting lithium include organic phosphoric acids, amides, carboxylic acids, carbonates, amino acids, and the like. In the selection of extractant, it is necessary to consider its impact on the environment, extraction efficiency and selectivity.