Structural characteristics and sorption properties of lithium-selective composite materials based on TiO₂ and MnO₂

A number of nanomaterials containing titanium dioxide and manganese dioxide were synthesized. The effect of synthesis conditions on structural and sorption characteristics for the selective extraction of lithium ions from solutions was studied. The ion-exchange materials were investigated with the methods of electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and X-ray analyses. During thermal synthesis phases of lithium manganese titanium spinel and TiO₂ are being formed. Replacing a part of manganese with titanium ions leads to a decrease in the dissolution of Mn and to an increase in chemical stability. Composites with optimal values of selectivity and sorption rates were used to remove lithium ions from solutions with high salt background. The recovery degree of lithium ions under dynamic conditions reached 99%, the highest sorption capacity was found at pH 10.