This invention relates to processes for the removal of phosphorous from aqueous waste streams comprising phosphorous-containing compounds produced in the manufacture of glyphosate, in order to meet and typically exceed environmental regulations. More particularly, various embodiments of the present invention relate to the removal of phosphorous-containing compounds utilizing biological treatment system(s), oxidizing agent(s), and/or precipitant(s). The processes of the invention are also applicable to the removal of phosphorous compounds from phosphorous-containing waste streams other than those waste streams resulting from the manufacture of glyphosate.

The present invention provides a process for the preparation of phosphor aerogel of uniform size having high porosity, low density; high thermal insulation and high luminescence, which is useful for various applications like lighting, display, sensing and other applications. More specifically, the present invention provides a simple and versatile process for the formation of monolithic gel, at room temperature, which on further drying at supercritical temperature and pressure result in dry aerogel.

This method synthesizes low-cost, high-performance iron phosphate that can be used for producing lithium-ion battery cathodes. It has three main steps: (S1) the synthesis of a iron (II,III) phosphate solution by mixing waste iron oxide (FeO, Fe.sub.2O.sub.3), low purity iron powder, and sulfuric acid in an aqueous solvent, followed by the addition of phosphoric acid; (S2) the addition of hydrogen peroxide to the previous solution, followed by pH balancing chemicals to yield crude iron phosphate; and (S3) the stirring of the previous solution to precipitate iron (III) phosphate, followed by an aging step, a filtering step, a washing step, and a drying step to obtain iron phosphate, which may be in the form of a hydrate. This straightforward approach uses waste iron oxide to minimize costs, while still yielding a fairly pure iron phosphate with excellent capacity, cycling stability, and broad physical and chemical properties suitable for battery production.

Aerogel materials, aerogel composites and the like may be improved by enhancing their smoke suppression, combustion reduction properties. It is additionally useful to provide aerogel based composites compatible with environments conducive to combustion. Such aerogel materials and methods of manufacturing the same are described.

Aerogel materials, aerogel composites and the like may be improved by enhancing their smoke suppression, combustion reduction properties. It is additionally useful to provide aerogel based composites compatible with environments conducive to combustion. Such aerogel materials and methods of manufacturing the same are described.

A method for preparing electrolyte material having a NASICON structure, based on a Na.sub.3+xSc.sub.xZr.sub.2x(SiO.sub.4).sub.2(PO.sub.4) compound where 0x<2. The method includes providing an acidic, aqueous solution which, according to a desired stoichiometry, comprises sodium, scandium and zirconium in the form of water-soluble nitrates, acetates or carbonates, and soluble silicates or orthosilicic acids or organic silicon compounds in dissolved form; subsequently adding phosphoric acid or ammonium dihydrogenphosphate or other soluble phosphates, according to the desired stoichiometry, complex zirconium dioxide phosphates forming as colloidal precipitations; and subsequently drying and calcining the mixture.

A method for preparing electrolyte material having a NASICON structure, based on a Na.sub.3+xSc.sub.xZr.sub.2x(SiO.sub.4).sub.2(PO.sub.4) compound where 0x<2. The method includes providing an acidic, aqueous solution which, according to a desired stoichiometry, comprises sodium, scandium and zirconium in the form of water-soluble nitrates, acetates or carbonates, and soluble silicates or orthosilicic acids or organic silicon compounds in dissolved form; subsequently adding phosphoric acid or ammonium dihydrogenphosphate or other soluble phosphates, according to the desired stoichiometry, complex zirconium dioxide phosphates forming as colloidal precipitations; and subsequently drying and calcining the mixture.

A method for recovery of commercial substances from apatite mineral comprises dissolving of apatite mineral in an acid comprising hydrochloride. The dissolution gives a first liquid solution comprising phosphate, calcium and chloride ions. The first liquid solution is treated into a second liquid solution comprising calcium and chloride ions. This treatment in turn comprises extracting of a major part of the phosphate ions with an organic solvent. A bleed solution is removed from the second solution. Solid gypsum comprising at least 70% in a di-hydrate crystal form is precipitated from the second solution. This precipitation of solid gypsum comprises adding the second solution and sulfuric acid simultaneously into a continuous-stirred reactor in the presence of gypsum crystals. Thereby, the precipitation of solid gypsum gives a third liquid solution comprising hydrochloride. An arrangement for recovery of commercial substances from apatite mineral is also presented.

A method for recovery of commercial substances from apatite mineral comprises dissolving of apatite mineral in an acid comprising hydrochloride. The dissolution gives a first liquid solution comprising phosphate, calcium and chloride ions. The first liquid solution is treated into a second liquid solution comprising calcium and chloride ions. This treatment in turn comprises extracting of a major part of the phosphate ions with an organic solvent. A bleed solution is removed from the second solution. Solid gypsum comprising at least 70% in a di-hydrate crystal form is precipitated from the second solution. This precipitation of solid gypsum comprises adding the second solution and sulfuric acid simultaneously into a continuous-stirred reactor in the presence of gypsum crystals. Thereby, the precipitation of solid gypsum gives a third liquid solution comprising hydrochloride. An arrangement for recovery of commercial substances from apatite mineral is also presented.

A preparation method of a lithium iron phosphate cathode material includes steps of (a) providing a phosphoric acid, an iron powder, a carbon source, wherein the phosphoric acid and the iron powder are reacted to produce a first product, and the first product is amorphous iron phosphate with chemical formula of a-FePO.sub.4.Math.xH.sub.2O (x>0); (b) providing a lithium salt mixture, wherein the lithium salt mixture includes a lithium hydroxide and a lithium carbonate; (c) grinding and mixing the first product, the carbon source, and the lithium salt mixture; (d) calcining the first product and the lithium salt mixture to produce a precursor, wherein the precursor has a formula of Fe.sub.3(PO.sub.4).sub.2.Math.8H.sub.2O+Li.sub.3PO.sub.4; and (e) calcining the precursor and the carbon source to obtain the lithium iron phosphate cathode material.