Technology for Obtaining Potassium Titanate by Ilmenite Alkaline Leaching

The study presents an optimized technology for obtaining potassium titanate (K₂TiO₃) from ilmenite concentrate of the Irshansky deposit (Zhytomyr region, Ukraine) via solid-phase alkaline leaching. The process uses a 96% ilmenite concentrate containing 70% FeTiO₃ and 20% TiO₂. Thermodynamic calculations confirmed the energetic feasibility and spontaneity of the reaction. The optimal process parameters were experimentally determined, achieving a titanium(IV) extraction degree of 86.7% under the following conditions: ilmenite particle size ≤ 71 µm, molar ratio FeTiO₃ : KOH = 1:2, interaction time of 180 min, and temperature of 453 K. The proposed alkaline method offers an environmentally safer and energy-efficient alternative to traditional acid-based technologies for producing potassium titanates used in electronics, ceramics, and catalysis.