Characterisation,beneficiation and prospects of TiO 2 from ilmenite

Abstract

The chemical and mineral properties of extracted titanium dioxide (ETD) from ilmenite were characterised by surface properties, flotation behaviour, crystal chemistry and morphological properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterisation showed the presence of rutile, leucosphenie, garnet and lime in the ETD. The presence of substitution by different amounts of Ca, Ag, C, Si and Mg in the crystal structure of ETD was identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The surface-active bond at 1408 cm⁻¹ had a surface area of 38.63 m²/g, confirming a mesoporous material. The determined point of zero charge was 5.4 pH and the flotation recovery showed a positive relationship with the sodium oleate. The XRD-derived Ti content (68.3  wt-% as TiO₂) matches the scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) Ti concentration (61.57  wt-%) within experimental error, confirming analytical consistency. The identified cuboid structure had a crystalline index of 97.7% that was tested for photocatalytic activity. As the irradiation continued at a longer duration of irradiation time, there was gradual discoloration of the aqueous solution, which confirmed slow bond breakage and degradation. The findings underscore the viability of Nigeria's ilmenite reserves as a potential TiO₂ source, reducing reliance on imports and fostering global economic growth.