Sustainable materials for efficient flotation purification processes

The technology combines switchable materials based on natural or renewable resources with a procedure, which enables selective and efficient flotation purification processes.

Challenge

Flotation is a widely used separation technique that utilizes bubbles to separate particles from liquids based on their density and surface properties. The flotation process is based on surface hydrophobicity of dispersed particles and it is commonly used in mineral processing and wastewater treatment, to efficiently remove unwanted materials or recover valuable resources. Also recycling technologies may involve a flotation process, which can help to separate elements or element mixtures from undesired materials. Electronic waste stemming from products reaching the end of their lifetime contains valuable elements such as lithium, gold or so-called critical raw elements, which are generally not infinitely available or difficult to access. Hence, recycling technologies are highly attractive, also in relation to the production of refurbished and recycled products. However, flotation mixtures often need to be tuned to the present separation challenge. Process technology efforts may increase, since new flotation systems need to be developed continuously, in order to be adapted to certain elemental selectivity. This can result in significant technological and economical drawbacks.

Our Solution

Scientists from the Clausthal University of Technology (Germany) have developed switchable materials in combination with a highly reproducible process technology, which enables selective and efficient flotation purification processes. The compounds are robust, stable and based on natural and renewable resources. Substituted and unsubstituted species can be used as collector or suppressor, depending on the desired flotation conditions. The flotation purification efficiency can be adapted by collector selectivity based on parameters such as pH value, light conditions, temperature and additives. While source of light can be used to produce radical species, the absence of light can prevent their formation, leading to a different flotation outcome. Addition of radical-producing additives can affect the flotation time. Selective flotation of lithium minerals can be carried out in the range of room temperature, while specific temperatures below or above room temperature are possible.

Example for the selective flotation of lithium aluminate and gehlenite according to the present invention and patent application (source: Prof. Schmidt, Clausthal University of Technology).

Advantages

• Natural, renewable and low cost resources
• Sustainable materials
• Robust, stable and switchable compounds
• Selective, reproducible and efficient flotation purification technology
• Flexible operation mode
• High recovery rates
• Highly adaptable flotation system (no need for preparation of new or additional flotation systems)
• Low cost system set-up

Applications

• Mineral processing (element extraction from natural resources)
• Recycling of electronics (e.g. batteries)
• Wastewater treatment

Development Status

The technology is efficient and reproducible on laboratory scale. Process scale-up in development.

Patent Status

German patent application filed. Patent grant announced.

Patent holder: Clausthal University of Technology

Contact

Dr. Mirza Mackovic
Patent & Innovation Manager Technology
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Tel.: +49 551 30724 153
Reference: CPA-2407-T290

Tags: Chemie, Nanotechnologie, Physik und Technik & Software