Silica Recovery from Laterite Leach Residue by Alkaline Leaching and Acid Precipitation: A Kinetic Evaluation
摘要
The extraction of silica from atmospheric leaching (AL) residues of laterite ore presents an opportunity for resource valorization and waste minimization. This study investigates the alkaline leaching of silica from AL residues using sodium hydroxide (NaOH), optimizing process parameters through a Box–Behnken experimental design. The effects of temperature (30–90°C), NaOH concentration (1–5 mol/L), solid-to-liquid ratio (0.1–0.5 g/mL), and leaching duration (30–120 min) on silica leaching recovery were analyzed. The optimal conditions—84.31°C, 3.48 mol/L NaOH, 0.43 g/mL solid-to-liquid ratio, and 91.83 min—achieved a silica leaching recovery of 94.59%, while subsequent acid precipitation resulted in a precipitation recovery of 81.17%. Kinetic analysis using the shrinking core model (SCM) indicated that the process is diffusion-controlled through an ash layer, with an activation energy (Ea) of 9.065 kJ/mol. Thermodynamic analysis using Pourbaix diagrams confirmed the selective dissolution of Si while Fe precipitated as hydroxides. This study demonstrates the potential of AL residue as a secondary Si source, contributing to sustainable resource utilization and environmental management.