Effect of additives on size and shape of lithium carbonate crystals

Generally, properties such internal structure, shape, and size distribution influence the reactivity, fluidity and wettability of the crystals, and may be modified by the use of additives such as polyelectrolytes or surfactants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different additi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of crystal growth 2017-02, Vol.460, p.5-12
Main Authors: Taborga, P., Brito, I., Graber, T.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
A1: crystal morphology
A1: Crystal size
A2: reactive crystallization
Additives
B1: lithium compounds
Crystal structure
Crystallization
Lithium
Lithium carbonate
Particle physics
Particle size distribution
Polyacrylic acid
Polyelectrolytes
Polyethylene glycol
Polyethyleneimine
Polyethylenes
Scanning electron microscopy
Sodium dodecyl sulfate
Spherulites
Surfactants
Wettability
X-ray diffraction
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Summary:Generally, properties such internal structure, shape, and size distribution influence the reactivity, fluidity and wettability of the crystals, and may be modified by the use of additives such as polyelectrolytes or surfactants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different additives on the size and morphology of lithium carbonate crystals obtained by reactive crystallization from solutions of LiCl and Na2CO3. The additives used were: polyethylenimine (PEI), polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly (4-styrenesulfonic acid), (P4SA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS). Obtained crystals were observed using scanning electron microscopy, the crystal size distribution was determined by a size image analyzer, and the crystal structure were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the presence of PEI, PEG and P4SA, increased the length of the lithium carbonate particles. The presence of SDS decreases the crystals size. Using SDBS as additive, the crystals had a needle-like shape, Finally PAA allowed the production of Li2CO3 spherulites. Crystal structure of lithium carbonate did not change in the presence of the tested additives. •The presence of polyelectrolytes modifies the Li2CO3 crystals size and shape.•Polyacrylic acid presence allows for obtaining lithium carbonate spherulites.•In the presence of SDBS, the Li2CO3 crystals have needle-like shape.•The interaction between additives and Li2CO3 crystals is a superficial phenomenon.
ISSN:0022-0248
1873-5002
DOI:10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2016.12.001