New solid state exchange reactions of lithium ferrites with ZnSO4

Abstract

Heating of a pelletized mixture of LiFe5O8 and ZnSO4 in air at 650-700 degrees C results in a solid state exchange (metathesis) reaction with formation of ZnFe2O4. The rate of reaction is greater if orthoferrite LiFeO2 is used instead of ferrospinel LiFe5O8. Owing to ready formation of ZnSO4 during thermal dehydration, anhydrous ZnSO4 can be substituted for ZnSO4.7H(2)O without substantial effect on the reaction rate.