Li+ extraction/insertion reaction with Mg2Mn0.5Ti0.5O4 inverse spinel in the aqueous phase

An inverse spinel-type metal oxide, magnesium-manganese-titanium oxide (Mg2Mn0.5Ti0.5O4), were prepared using the coprecipitation/thermal crystallization method. The extraction/insertion reaction with this material was investigated by X-ray, saturation capacity of exchange, pH titration, and distribution coefficient (Kd) measurement. The acid treatments of Mg2Mn0.5Ti0.5O4 caused Mg2+ extractions of more than 81%, whereas the dissolutions of Mn4+ and Ti4+ were less than 10%. The experimental results proved that the acid-treated sample has a capacity of exchange 56 mg·g−1 for Li+ in the solution. The chemical analysis showed that the Li+ extraction/insertion progressed mainly by ion-exchange mechanism and surface adsorption.