Lithium production coupled to acid and base production

Abstract

Systems and methods for obtaining lithium-containing materials from liquid streams are generally described. In some instances, aqueous streams are treated with a lithium selective agent prior to and / or following electrolysis of the stream to produce basic species such as hydroxide ions. In some cases, the lithium selective agent is a solids-forming agent such as a precipitant (e.g., phosphoric acid / phosphate) or a solid sorbent (e.g., aluminum hydroxide). The electrogenerated basic species may induce carbon dioxide capture to form carbonate and / or bicarbonate anions. Coupling of the electrolytic processes and / or carbon dioxide capture processes to the lithium selective separation processes may promote efficient generation of value-added lithium-containing materials such as lithium hydroxide and / or lithium carbonate. Some embodiments involve the electrolytic and / or thermal regeneration of the lithium selective agent, and / or the recycling of electrogenerated acidic species, which can also contribute to an efficient, cost-effective system for obtaining lithium-containing materials.