Selective and efficient extraction of lithium from spodumene via nitric acid pressure leaching

•Nitric acid pressure leaching to selectively extract Li from spodumene was proposed.•95 % Li was extracted under the optimal conditions.•H+ facilitates lithium leaching via exchange with Li+ in β-spodumene.•Separation of Li and Al in the leach liquor was achieved by thermal decomposition.•The process exhibits low acid consumption and minimal impurity leaching. The thriving electric vehicle market has fueled a remarkable surge in the demand for lithium. Consequently, a heightened emphasis has emerged on the extraction of lithium from spodumene deposits. However, the sustainable growth of the lithium industry encounters challenges. The traditional process has the disadvantages of high acid consumption, high extraction rate of impurities and difficult purification of leach liquor. To address these challenges, this study proposes a process for the selective and efficient extraction of lithium from spodumene via nitric acid pressure leaching. In an autoclave at 200 °C, initial nitric acid concentration of 1 mol/L, liquid-to-solid ratio of 2.5 mL/g, and holding time of 30 min, 95 % Li was extracted, with low extraction rate of impurity elements. During pressure leaching, the aluminum–silicate cage structure of β-spodumene remains intact, while H+ freely exchanges with Li+ within the structure, resulting in the formation of HAlSi2O6. Subsequently, the leach liquor underwent thermal decomposition at 250 °C to achieve lithium-aluminum separation. It's noteworthy that nitric acid can be recycled in the process, resulting in low acid consumption. The proposed process has the potential to contribute significantly to the lithium industry by facilitating the adoption of environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.