Li-bearing Mineral Bio-Floatation And Phase Transformation For Readiness Of Use In Energy Storage Devices And Systems: A Review

The increasing demand for renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, AI tools, and electronic devices has been hinged on the extraction and processing of lithium ores. This paper investigates efficient processing techniques of lithium-bearing minerals, which promote environmental sustainability whilst conforming to the stringent lithium quality control requirements. With a focus on bio-floatation, a review of the use of microorganisms in lithium-bearing mineral concentration will be displayed, systematically evaluating the advances made in enhancing bio-floatation processes. Further discussions on the approaches employed to separate lithium from its concentrates are tackled, with specific emphasis on the impact of microwave technology on the purity requirement of lithium for use in energy storage devices. The subsequent conversion of lithium-bearing ores to lithium compounds such as hydroxides and carbonates will be assessed particularly in the manufacture of batteries. The paper seeks to edify the literature and knowledge around the biofloatation and the phase transformation occurring during the calcination.