In a reactive crystallization,
the reaction rate influences the supersaturation level and thus the
crystallization process and product quality. This work aims to determine
reaction kinetic parameters for the Li2CO3 crystallization
from Li2SO4 and Na2CO3 solutions using a calorimetric method. Experimental tests were carried
out in a reaction calorimeter, under isothermal conditions, at different
temperatures (333, 343, and 353 K) and initial concentrations for
both reactants (0.7, 0.92, and 1.05 mol/L). Reaction enthalpies and
specific heat of mixtures were experimentally determined as well as
reaction rates from thermal conversion data. Furthermore, kinetic
parameters such as activation energy (56.8 kJ/mol), frequency factor
(1.35 × 108 L0.48/min mol0.48), and reaction orders were calculated. The contribution of this
work is to provide useful kinetic data that are not reported in the
scientific literature, which are critical in the modeling and control
of reactive crystallization process for the Li2CO3 production from lithium sulfate sources.