Method for treating electrolyte to remove Li.sub.2 O
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
InventorsZygmunt Tomczuk, William E. Miller, Gerald K. Johnson, James L. Willit
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Abstract
A method of removing Li.sub.2 O present in an electrolyte predominantly of LiCl and KCl. The electrolyte is heated to a temperature not less than about 500.degree. C. and then Al is introduced into the electrolyte in an amount in excess of the stoichiometric amount needed to convert the Li.sub.2 O to a Li-Al alloy and lithium aluminate salt. The salt and aluminum are maintained in contact with agitation for a time sufficient to convert the Li.sub.2 O.
Claims16
A method of removing Li.sub.2 O present in a halide salt, comprising contacting the salt with Al for a time sufficient to convert Li.sub.2 O to a Li-Al alloy and a lithium-aluminate salt.
A method of removing Li.sub.2 O present in an electrolyte predominantly of LiCl and KCl comprising maintaining the electrolyte at a temperature not less than about 500.degree. C., introducing Al into the electrolyte in an amount in excess of the stoichiometric amount needed to convert the Li.sub.2 O to a Li-Al alloy and lithium aluminate salt and maintaining salt and aluminum in contact for a time sufficient to convert the Li.sub.2 O.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.