Spinel-type lithium-zinc-manganese oxide (Li0.5Zn0.5)[Li0.5Mn1.5]O-4 w
as prepared by a coprecipitation/thermal crystallization method. The L
i+ extraction/insertion reactions with the spinel in the aqueous phase
were investigated by X-ray diffraction, DTA-TG analyses, FT-IR spectr
oscopy, pH titration, and distribution coefficient (K-d) measurement.
The Li+ extraction and insertion proceed by topotactic ion-exchange-ty
pe mechanisms. The Zn2+ at the tetrahedral sites caused a decrease in
the extractabilities of Li+ during acid treatment. The spinel with ord
ered arrangement of Li+ and Zn2+ at 8a tetrahedral sites showed a mark
edly lower Li+ extractability than the spinel with random arrangement
of Li+ and Zn2+ at the same sites. The inhibiting effect of Zn2+ on Li
+ extractability was discussed in terms of the Li+ migration pathway i
n the spinel structure. The Li+-extracted sample showed a lithium ion-
sieve property from microamount to macroamount of metal ion loading.