An efficient methodology for utilization of K-feldspar and phosphogypsum with reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions

The issues of reducing CO2 emissions, sustainably utilizing natural mineral resources, and dealing with industrial waste offer challenges for sustainable development in energy and the environment. We propose an efficient methodology via the co-reaction of K-feldspar and phosphogypsum for the extraction of soluble potassium salts and recovery of SO2 with reduced CO2 emission and energy consumption. The results of characterization and reactivity evaluation indicated that the partial melting of K-feldspar and phosphogypsum in the high-temperature co-reaction significantly facilitated the reduction of phosphogypsum to SO2 and the exchange of K+(K-feldspar) with Ca2+(CaSO4 in phosphogypsum). The reaction parameters were systematical y investigat-ed with the highest sulfur recovery ratio of~60%and K extraction ratio of~87.7%. This novel methodology possesses an energy consumption reduction of~28%and CO2 emission reduction of~55%comparing with the present typical commercial technologies for utilization of K-feldspar and the treatment of phosphogypsum.