Improved methods and systems for generating a lithium solution from an ion exchange material

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for eluting metals, such as lithium, from ion exchange materials using acidic solutions obtained by dissolving a gas, such as carbon dioxide, into an aqueous phase.

Description

WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 IMPROVED METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING A LITHIUM SOLUTION FROM AN ION EXCHANGE MATERIAL CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 637,853 filed on April 23, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Lithium is an essential element for high-energy rechargeable batteries and other technologies. Lithium can be found in a variety of liquid solutions, including natural and synthetic brines and leachate solutions from minerals and recycled products. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In some aspects, provided herein is a method for lithium recovery, the method comprising: a) forming an eluent solution by dissolving a gas in an aqueous solution at a pressure of about 0 to 50 barg, wherein the pH of the eluent solution is less than 7 following dissolution of the gas; b) contacting an ion exchange material to a liquid resource, wherein the ion exchange material absorbs lithium ions from the liquid resource to yield a lithium-depleted liquid resource and a lithiated ion exchange material; c) contacting the lithiated ion exchange material to the eluent solution, wherein the lithiated ion exchange material releases lithium into the eluent solution to generate a synthetic lithium solution; and d) separating the synthetic lithium solution from the ion exchange material.

[0004] In some aspects, provided herein is a method for lithium recovery, the method comprising: a) forming an eluent solution by dissolving a gas in an aqueous solution at a pressure of about 0 to 50 barg, wherein the pH of the eluent solution is at most 7 following dissolution of the gas; b) contacting an ion exchange material to a liquid resource, wherein the ion exchange material absorbs lithium ions from the liquid resource to yield a lithium-depleted liquid resource and a lithiated ion exchange material;WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 c) contacting the lithiated ion exchange material to the eluent solution, wherein the lithiated ion exchange material releases lithium into the eluent solution to generate a synthetic lithium solution; and d) separating the synthetic lithium solution from the ion exchange material.

[0005] In some aspects, provided herein is a method for lithium recovery, the method comprising: a) forming an eluent solution by dissolving a gas in an aqueous solution at a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure, wherein the pH of the eluent solution is from about 3 to 5 following dissolution of the gas; b) contacting an ion exchange material to a liquid resource, wherein the ion exchange material absorbs lithium ions from the liquid resource to yield a lithium-depleted liquid resource and a lithiated ion exchange material; c) contacting the lithiated ion exchange material to the eluent solution, wherein the lithiated ion exchange material releases lithium into the eluent solution to generate a synthetic lithium solution; and d) separating the synthetic lithium solution from the ion exchange material.

[0006] In some aspects, provided herein is a method for lithium recovery, the method comprising: a) forming an eluent solution by dissolving a gas in an aqueous solution at a pressure exceeding 0 barg, wherein the pH of the eluent solution is less than 7 following dissolution of the gas; b) contacting an ion exchange material to a liquid resource, wherein the ion exchange material absorbs lithium ions from the liquid resource to yield a lithium-depleted liquid resource and a lithiated ion exchange material; c) contacting the lithiated ion exchange material to the eluent solution, wherein the lithiated ion exchange material releases lithium into the eluent solution to generate a synthetic lithium solution with a concentration of lithium greater than about 1 mg / L; and d) separating the synthetic lithium solution from the ion exchange material.

[0007] In some aspects, provided herein is a method for lithium recovery, the method comprising: a) forming an eluent solution by dissolving a gas in an aqueous solution at a pressure exceeding 0 barg, wherein the pH of the eluent solution is at most 7 following dissolution of the gas;WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 b) contacting an ion exchange material to a liquid resource, wherein the ion exchange material absorbs lithium ions from the liquid resource to yield a lithium-depleted liquid resource and a lithiated ion exchange material; c) contacting the lithiated ion exchange material to the eluent solution, wherein the lithiated ion exchange material releases lithium into the eluent solution to generate a synthetic lithium solution with a concentration of lithium of at least about 1 mg / L; and d) separating the synthetic lithium solution from the ion exchange material.

[0008] In some aspects, provided herein is a method for lithium recovery, the method comprising: a) contacting an ion exchange material to a liquid resource, wherein the ion exchange material absorbs lithium ions from the liquid resource to yield a lithium-depleted liquid resource and a lithiated ion exchange material; b) contacting the lithiated ion exchange material to an eluent solution, wherein the lithiated ion exchange material releases lithium into the eluent solution to generate a synthetic lithium solution, and wherein the eluent solution comprises an acid; c) separating the synthetic lithium solution from the ion exchange material; d) dissolving a gas in the synthetic lithium solution to yield an intermediate solution, e) processing the intermediate solution to yield a purified lithium solution and a regeneration solution, wherein the regeneration solution comprises the acid; and f) directing at least a portion of the regeneration solution to provide the eluent solution.

[0009] In some aspects, provided herein is a system for lithium recovery, the system comprising: a) first subsystem configured to: i. contact a lithiated ion exchange material to an eluent solution; wherein the lithiated ion exchange material releases lithium into the eluent solution to generate a synthetic lithium solution and an ion exchange material; and ii. retain the ion exchange material within the first subsystem when the synthetic lithium solution is separated from the ion exchange material and exits the first subsystem; and b) a second subsystem configured to form the eluent solution by dissolving a gas in an aqueous solution; wherein the pH of the eluent solution is less than about 7.

[0010] In some aspects, provided herein is a system for lithium recovery, the system comprising:WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 a) first subsystem configured to: i. contact a lithiated ion exchange material to an eluent solution; wherein the lithiated ion exchange material releases lithium into the eluent solution to generate a synthetic lithium solution and an ion exchange material; and ii. retain the ion exchange material within the first subsystem when the synthetic lithium solution is separated from the ion exchange material and exits the first subsystem; and b) a second subsystem configured to form the eluent solution by dissolving a gas in an aqueous solution; wherein the pH of the eluent solution is at most about 7.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first subsystem is further configured to: iii. contact the ion exchange material to a liquid resource; wherein the ion exchange material absorbs lithium from the liquid resource to generate the lithiated ion exchange material and a lithium-depleted liquid resource; and iv. retain the lithiated ion exchange material within the first subsystem when the lithium-depleted liquid resource is separated from the lithiated ion exchange material and exits the first subsystem.

[0012] In some embodiments, the system further comprises: c) a third subsystem configured to process the synthetic lithium solution to provide a lithium chemical.

[0013] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0014] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and / or take precedence over any such contradictory material.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The novel features of the disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also “Figure” and “FIG.” herein), of which:

[0016] FIG.1 provides a method for lithium extraction, such as that described in Example 1, including a system configured for use in carrying out said method.

[0017] FIG.2 provides a method for lithium extraction, such as that described in Example 2, including a system configured for use in carrying out said method.

[0018] FIG.3 provides a method for lithium extraction, such as that described in Example 3, including a system configured for use in carrying out said method.

[0019] FIG.4 provides a method for lithium extraction, such as that described in Example 4, including a system configured for use in carrying out said method that comprises lithium extraction device 402. FIG.4A, FIG.4B, and FIG.4C each provide components of the lithium extraction device 402.

[0020] FIG.5 (left) provides a method for lithium extraction, such as that described in Example 5, including a system configured for use in carrying out said method that comprises lithium extraction system 502; (right) provides lithium extraction system 502 in further detail.

[0021] FIG.6 provides a method for lithium extraction, such as that described in Example 6, including a system configured for use in carrying out said method.

[0022] FIG.7 provides a method for lithium extraction, such as that described in Example 7, including a system configured for use in carrying out said method.

[0023] FIG.8 provides a method for processing a synthetic lithium solution, such as that described in Example 8, including a system configured for use in carrying out said method.

[0024] FIG.9 provides a method for lithium extraction, such as that described in Example 9, including a system configured for use in carrying out said method.

[0025] FIG.10 provides a method for lithium extraction, such as that described in Example 10, including a system configured for use in carrying out said method.

[0026] FIG.11 provides a method for processing a synthetic lithium solution, such as that described in Example 11, including a system configured for use in carrying out said method.

[0027] FIG.12 provides a method for lithium extraction, such as that described in Example 12, including a system configured for use in carrying out said method.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0028] FIG.13 provides a method for lithium extraction, such as that described in Example 13, including a system configured for use in carrying out said method.

[0029] FIG.14 provides a method for purification of a lithium eluate and production of battery grade lithium carbonate, such as that described in Example 14, including a system configured for use in carrying out said method.

[0030] FIG.15 provides an illustration of the relationship between gas pressure and lithium concentration of an eluate solution according to some embodiments of the disclosure, such as described in Example 15.

[0031] FIG.16 provides an illustration of the relationship between salt concentration and identity and lithium concentration of an eluate solution according to some embodiments of the disclosure, such as described in Example 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Lithium is an essential element for batteries and other technologies. Lithium is found in a variety of liquid resources, including natural and synthetic brines and leachate solutions from minerals, clays, and recycled products. Lithium is optionally extracted from such liquid resources using an ion exchange process based on inorganic ion exchange materials. These inorganic ion exchange materials absorb lithium from a liquid resource while releasing hydrogen, and then elute lithium in acid while absorbing hydrogen. This ion exchange process is optionally repeated to extract lithium from a liquid resource and yield a synthetic lithium solution. The synthetic lithium solution is optionally further processed into chemicals for the battery industry or other industries.

[0033] Current methods of lithium production require that large volumes of water and chemical reagents be used to extract lithium. Ion exchange dramatically reduces these two requirements, but still requires acid and base as reagents. The disclosure provided herein completely eliminates the use of liquid acids (e.g., mineral acids) in lithium production by ion- exchange, replacing them with gases that, when dissolved in water, generate protons used in the ion exchange process. In the case of CO2 as an example of such a gas, its use reduces the cost associated with lithium production by ion exchange, while eliminating hazardous reagents, directly providing a lithium carbonate product that is commonly sold in the market, and additionally providing a sink for anthropogenic CO2 emissions.

[0034] Selective extraction of lithium by ion exchange proceeds by the following chemical reaction:WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 where IX- represents the selective absorption sites on the IX material, which reversibly exchange H+and Li+ions. When lithium is present and the concentration of protons is low, such as conditions of high pH, the equilibrium favors the uptake of lithium. When, instead, the concentration of protons is high, as in conditions of acidic (low) pH, the reverse reaction is favored, and lithium is eluted from the ion exchange material to generate a synthetic lithium solution or eluate.

[0035] A typical source of proton includes an acidic solution, said solution comprising a mineral or organic acid, which in some embodiments is selected from hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrobromic acid, chloric acid, perchloric acid, nitric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, carbonic acid, or combinations thereof. Such acids are commonly used in the chemical industry.

[0036] In one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, such acid is generated by dissolving a gas in water. In some embodiments, the strength of said acid is diminished relative to the strength of mineral acids, yet this acidity is sufficient for supplying the protons (H+) ions necessary to elute lithium. The following are non limiting embodiments of the generation of the dissolution of a gas in water or an aqueous liquid, and the generation of acidic protons therefrom:WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 (18) HNO3 ^→ NO3- + H+

[0037] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other chemical species can also be involved in the generation of acidity, with the ultimate result being that a proton, either free (H+) or in association with water (H3O+) is generated in an aqueous solution. Key Terms and Definitions

[0038] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an agent” includes a plurality of such agents, and reference to “the cell” includes reference to one or more cells (or to a plurality of cells) and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. When ranges are used herein for physical properties, such as molecular weight, or chemical properties, such as chemical formulae, all combinations and subcombinations of ranges and specific embodiments therein are intended to be included. The term “about” when referring to a number or a numerical range means that the number or numerical range referred to is an approximation within experimental variability (or within statistical experimental error), and thus the number or numerical range, in some instances, will vary between 1% and 15% of the stated number or numerical range. The term “comprising” (and related terms such as “comprise” or “comprises” or “having” or “including”) is not intended to exclude that in other certain embodiments, for example, an embodiment of any composition of matter, composition, method, or process, or the like, described herein, “consist of” or “consist essentially of” the described features.

[0039] The terms “lithium”, “lithium ion”, and “Li+” are used interchangeably in the present specification and these terms are synonymous unless specifically noted to the contrary. The terms “hydrogen”, “hydrogen ion”, “proton”, and “H+” are used interchangeably in the present specification and these terms are synonymous unless specifically noted to the contrary.

[0040] As used herein, the words “column” and “vessel” are used interchangeably. In some embodiments described herein referring to a “vessel”, the vessel is a column. In some embodiments described herein referring to a “column”, the column is a vessel.

[0041] The term “the pH of the system” or “the pH of” a component of a system, for example one or more tanks, vessels, columns, pH modulating units, or pipes used to establish fluid communication between one or more tanks, vessels, columns, or pH modulating units,WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 refers to the pH of the liquid medium contained or present in the system, or contained or present in one or more components thereof. In some embodiments, the liquid medium contained in the system, or one or more components thereof, is a liquid resource. In some embodiments, the liquid medium contained in the system, or one or more components thereof, is a brine. In some embodiments, the liquid medium contained in the system, or one or more components thereof, is an acid solution, an aqueous solution, a wash solution, a salt solution, a salt solution comprising lithium ions, or a lithium-enriched solution. As used herein, pH is equal to the negative logarithmic value of the concentration of protons in the aqueous solution. The pH of the solutions described herein are preferably determined with a pH probe. However, many of the solutions described herein comprise high concentrations of ions (e.g., sodium) that are known to interfere with pH probe sensors. Therefore, solutions with high ion concentrations can lead to shifted readings. In such cases, pH probe values are confirmed by diluting the test solution, for example by 10X or 100X, and remeasuring via pH probe to ensure that the change in pH is consistent with the change in concentration of protons. Alternative methods of pH determination include chemical tests such as titration with colored indicators or litmus tests.

[0042] The term “concentration”, as used herein, refers to the amount of a chemical species within a given amount of liquid. In some embodiments, said concentration can be specified as the mass of a species dissolved in an amount of liquid (e.g. mg / L), or the number of moles of a species dissolved in an amount of liquid (e.g. mol / L). In some embodiments, concentration can be specified by the ratio of moles or mass of the species of interest to one or more other species dissolved in the same liquid. In some embodiments, only the mass concentration of an ionic species is stated; for example, a concentration of sodium (Na) is stated to be 100 milligrams per liter (mg / L). In such cases, the stated concentration refers to the mass concentration of the ion in solution, and does not include the mass of the anion; in the example stated above, such an ion may comprise chloride (Cl-), nitrate (NO3-), or sulfate (SO42-).

[0043] As used herein, the term “synthetic lithium solution” describes a solution comprising lithium that is not present in nature and obtained by a process for processing, refining, recovering or purifying lithium. In some embodiments, a synthetic lithium solution can be yielded by placing an acid into contact with a lithium-selective sorbent. In some embodiments, a synthetic lithium solution is a lithium eluate. In some embodiments, the term “synthetic lithium solution”, “lithium eluate”, or “eluate” are used interchangeably; therefore, embodiments described herein in relation to one of these terms shall be understood to apply to synthetic lithium solutions, lithium eluates, eluates, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a synthetic lithium solution, lithium eluate, or eluate is concentrated to yield a concentratedWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 synthetic lithium solution, concentrated lithium eluate, or concentrated eluate; therefore, these concentrated solutions contain the same chemical species but at a higher solute concentration. Therefore, embodiments described herein in relation to a synthetic lithium solution, lithium eluate, or eluate shall be understood to apply to their concentrated counterparts. In some embodiments, a synthetic lithium solution is used in place of a liquid resource. In some embodiments, a synthetic lithium solution is combined with a liquid resource. In some embodiments, a synthetic lithium solution is a leachate solution (e.g., a leachate of one or more ores, a leachate of one or more minerals, a leachate of one or more clays, a leachate of waste or recycled materials comprising lithium). In some embodiments, a synthetic lithium solution is a brine concentrated by solar evaporation.

[0044] The term “direct lithium extraction,” as used herein, refers to a process involving the sorption or adsorption of lithium from solution. Direct lithium extraction can be carried out with a lithium-selective sorbent. A lithium-selective sorbent can comprise an ion exchange material.

[0045] The term “eluent,” as used herein, refers to a liquid input to employed for the removal of lithium from a lithium-selective sorbent. In some embodiments, contact of an eluent to a lithium-selective sorbent to remove lithium from said sorbent generates an eluate (or equivalently termed lithium eluate or synthetic lithium solution). An eluent can be acidic. An eluent that has been placed in contact with a lithium-selective sorbent that releases lithium into the eluate is a lithium eluate. In some embodiments, wherein the lithium-selective sorbent is an ion exchange material that has been exposed to a liquid resource comprising lithium, the eluate is an acidic solution. In such cases, the protons of the acidic eluent displace the lithium on the ion exchange material to yield a synthetic lithium eluate. In some embodiments, the eluent comprises a gas dissolved in a liquid. In some embodiments, the eluent comprises carbon dioxide dissolved in a water. In some embodiments, the eluent comprises an acid dissolved in a liquid.

[0046] As used herein, the term “lithium purity” refers to the chemical purity of a lithium chemical, lithium compound, or a solution that comprises lithium or a lithium compound. In some embodiments, lithium purity can be expressed as the percentage of lithium in a solution as on the basis of the total metal ion content of the solution. In some embodiments, lithium purity is expressed in terms of the quantities or percentages of specific impurities that may be present in a lithium compound or a solution that comprises lithium.

[0047] As used herein, the term “process fluid” refers to any liquid or solution that is used in any step or process according to the methods and systems for lithium recovery from a liquid resource as described herein. In some embodiments, the process fluid is the liquid resource. InWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 some embodiments, the process fluid is the adjusting fluid. In some embodiments, the process fluid is the raffinate. In some embodiments, the process fluid is water. In some embodiments, the process fluid is acid (e.g., an acidic solution, a solution comprising acid). In some embodiments, the process fluid is base (e.g., a basic solution, a solution comprising base).

[0048] The term “mother liquor,” as used herein, is a liquid byproduct of a process for the generation of solid lithium carbonate from a lithium-containing solution. Mother liquor as described herein is an aqueous solution that comprises lithium and additional salts.

[0049] As used herein and in the appended claims, pressure is quantified and measured in units commonly sued in the art, including bar, atmospheres (atm), psi (pounds per square inch), Pascals (Pa), Megapascals (MPa), and other commonly used unit. Said units are sometimes specified in terms of their absolute pressure, or their pressure relative to the atmosphere. When absolute pressure is used, this may optionally be indicated by adding “a” to the unit, as in psia, bara, atma, etc. When relative of “gauge” pressure is used, this may optionally be indicated by adding “g” to the unit, as in psig, barg, atmg, etc. The absolute pressure can be calculated by addition of the local atmospheric pressure to the gauge pressure. When “g” and “a” are not included in the units, all pressures herein are understood to be gauge pressures.

[0050] The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described or preclude the combination of the subject matter of the disclosure under any one section heading with any other subject matter of the disclosure under any other section heading or any other subject matter of the disclosure. Embodiments described herein with any one or more features can be readily combined with the features of any embodiments described further herein. Embodiments described herein are not limiting so as to wholly describe all embodiments of the disclosure. Lithium Selective Sorbents, including Ion Exchange Materials

[0051] In an aspect, disclosed herein are methods and systems for lithium recovery from a liquid resource. In some embodiments, producing a lithium product from a liquid resource comprises lithium recovery. In some embodiments, a system, a method, or a process for lithium recovery from a liquid resource may be employed in a system, a method, or a process for producing a lithium product from a liquid resource. In some embodiments, the methods and systems disclosed herein utilize ion exchange materials. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent comprises an ion exchange material. In some embodiments, an ion exchange material is utilized in a variety of forms or as a constituent of a construct that comprises one or more ion exchange materials (e.g., a lithium selective sorbent composite). In someWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 embodiments, an ion exchange material is utilized in a form that specifically enables or optimizes the performance of the method or system in which the ion exchange material is utilized. In some embodiments, an ion exchange material is utilized as a constituent of a construct that specifically enables or optimizes the performance of the method or system in which the ion exchange material is utilized. In some embodiments, ion exchange materials are coated.

[0052] In some embodiments, ion exchange material is in the form of ion exchange particles. In some embodiments, ion exchange material is in the form of uncoated ion exchange particles. In some embodiments, ion exchange material is in the form of coated ion exchange particles. In some embodiments, ion exchange particles are coated or uncoated. In some embodiments, ion exchange particles are utilized as a mixture that comprises coated ion exchange particles and uncoated ion exchange particles. In some embodiments, ion exchange particles comprise one or more ion exchange materials. In some embodiments, ion exchange particles comprise a lithium- selective sorbent.

[0053] In some embodiments, lithium selective sorbent composites are a construct that comprises ion exchange material that can be used according to the methods and systems described herein. In some embodiments, lithium selective sorbent composites comprise ion exchange material. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is coated or uncoated. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites are porous. In some embodiments, lithium selective sorbent composites comprise one or more ion exchange materials. In some embodiments, lithium selective sorbent composites comprise a lithium-selective sorbent.

[0054] In some embodiments, lithium selective sorbent composites are formed into a bead, said bead comprising an ion exchange material. Therefore, embodiments described herein for “ion exchange beads” should be understood to apply to any embodiments for “ion exchange material”, or for any material composition comprising an ion exchange material, including but not limited to coated ion exchange material(s), beads comprising coated ion exchange material(s), ion exchange materials embedded in a structural support, ion exchange materials embedded in a matrix, composites comprising ion exchange material(s), lithium selective sorbent composites – wherein the lithium selective sorbent comprises an ion exchange material – , or combinations thereof.

[0055] In some embodiments, lithium selective sorbent composites have diameters less than about one millimeter, contributing to a high pressure difference across a packed bed of lithium selective sorbent composite as a liquid resource and other fluids are pumped through the packed bed by application of an appropriate force. In some embodiments, lithium selective sorbentWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 composites have diameters of at most about one millimeter, contributing to a high pressure difference across a packed bed of lithium selective sorbent composite as a liquid resource and other fluids are pumped through the packed bed by application of an appropriate force. To minimize pressure across the packed bed of lithium selective sorbent composite and to minimize the associated appropriate force and amount of energy associated with applying said appropriate force, vessels with optimized geometries can be used to reduce the flow distance through the packed bed of lithium selective sorbent composite. These vessels can be networked with pH modulation units to achieve adequate control of the pH of the liquid resource.

[0056] In some embodiments, a network of vessels loaded with lithium selective sorbent composite comprises two vessels, three vessels, four vessels, five vessels, six vessels, seven vessels, eight vessels, nine vessels, 10 vessels, 11 vessels, 12 vessels, 13-14 vessels, 15-20 vessels, 20-30 vessels, 30-50 vessels, 50-70 vessels, 70-100 vessels, or more than 100 vessels.

[0057] In some embodiments, ion exchange material, or a form thereof, or a construct comprised thereof, is loaded into an ion exchange device described herein. In some embodiments, an ion exchange device comprises a column, tank, or vessel. In some embodiments, an ion exchange device is a component of a system for lithium recovery from a liquid resource. Alternating flows of liquid resource, eluent, and other process fluids are optionally flowed through an ion exchange device to extract lithium from the liquid resource and produce a synthetic lithium solution, which is eluted from the ion exchange device using an eluent. As liquid resource flows through the ion exchange device, the ion exchange material absorb lithium while releasing hydrogen, where both the lithium and hydrogen are cations. After the ion exchange material have absorbed lithium, an eluent is used to elute the lithium from the ion exchange material to produce a lithium eluate. A lithium eluate can be a synthetic lithium solution according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, an eluent comprises acid or an acid eluent.

[0058] Lithium is an essential element for batteries and other technologies. Lithium is found in a variety of liquid resources, including natural and synthetic brines and leachate solutions from minerals, clays, and recycled products. Lithium can be extracted from such liquid resources using an ion exchange process that utilizes ion exchange materials. In some embodiments, lithium selective sorbent composite comprise ion exchange materials in addition to other components. In some embodiments, lithium selective sorbent composite are utilized in methods for lithium recovery and systems for lithium recovery. Ion exchange materials can absorb lithium from a liquid resource while releasing hydrogen, and then elute lithium in acid while absorbing hydrogen. In methods for lithium recovery from a liquid resource, the ionWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 exchange process can be repeated to extract lithium from a liquid resource and yield a synthetic lithium solution. The synthetic lithium solution can be further processed into chemicals for the battery industry or other industries.

[0059] In some embodiments, ion exchange particles comprise ion exchange materials. Ion exchange particles can be in the form of small particles, which together constitute a fine powder. Small sizes of ion exchange particles may be required to minimize the diffusion distance that lithium must travel to reach the core of the ion exchange particles and ensure the entirety of the ion exchange material within the ion exchange particle is utilized in the course of an ion exchange process or method for lithium recovery. In some cases, ion exchange particles are coated with coating materials that can minimize dissolution of the ion exchange particles while allowing efficient transfer of lithium and hydrogen to and from the ion exchange particles.

[0060] One major challenge for methods of lithium recovery from a liquid resource that comprise use of ion exchange particles is the loading of the ion exchange particles into an ion exchange device in such a way that liquid resource and acid flow through the ion exchange device with minimal clogging. Thus, ion exchange material and / or ion exchange particles can be formed into lithium selective sorbent composite that can be loaded into an ion exchange device. In some embodiments, lithium selective sorbent composite comprise ion exchange materials in addition to other components and can be utilized in methods for lithium recovery and systems for lithium recovery. The lithium selective sorbent composite, as loaded into an ion exchange device, can be loaded such that void spaces are present between the lithium selective sorbent composite, and these void spaces can facilitate flow of liquids through the column. In some embodiments, a flow is initiated, modulated, or terminated by pumping. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composite hold their constituent ion exchange particles in place and prevent free movement of ion exchange particles throughout the ion exchange device.

[0061] When ion exchange material is formed into lithium selective sorbent composite, the penetration of liquid resource and acid into the lithium selective sorbent composite by convention and diffusion can become unacceptably slow. A slow rate of convection and diffusion of the acid and liquid resource into the lithium selective sorbent composite can slow the kinetics of lithium absorption and release thereby. Slow kinetics of lithium absorption and release can create problems for the operation of an ion exchange device. Slow kinetics of lithium absorption and release can consequently require correspondingly slow flow rates through an ion exchange device. Slow kinetics of lithium absorption and release can also lead to low lithium recovery from the liquid resource and inefficient use of acid to elute the lithium according to the methods and systems described herein.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0062] In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites comprise networks of pores that facilitate the transport of liquids flowed through an ion exchange device into lithium selective sorbent composites. The geometry and physical dimensions of pore networks in lithium selective sorbent composites can be strategically controlled to allow for faster and more complete access of liquid resource, washing water, acid, and other process fluids into the interior of the ion exchange bead. Faster and more complete access of liquid resource, washing water, acid, and other process fluids into the interior of the lithium selective sorbent composites leads to a more effective delivery lithium and hydrogen to the ion exchange material therein. More effective delivery of lithium and hydrogen to the ion exchange material within lithium selective sorbent composites can lead to greater lithium recovery according to the methods and systems described herein.

[0063] Another challenge to consider and overcome in a method or system for lithium recovery from a liquid resource using ion exchange materials is the undesired dissolution and degradation of the ion exchange materials. Undesired dissolution and degradation of the ion exchange materials can occur during a step comprising lithium elution from the ion exchange material in acid. Undesired dissolution and degradation of the ion exchange materials can occur during a step comprising lithium extraction from a liquid resource by the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, to yield a synthetic lithium solution from the ion exchange process it is desirable to use a concentrated acid solution as an acid eluent in a step comprising lithium elution from the ion exchange material. However, concentrated acid solutions dissolve and degrade ion exchange materials, which can decrease the performance and useful lifetime of the materials. Therefore, in some embodiments the lithium selective sorbent composites contain coated ion exchange particles that are comprised of an ion exchange material and a coating material. The coating material can protect the ion exchange material from undesired dissolution and degradation during lithium elution from the ion exchange material into acid, during lithium uptake from a liquid resource into the ion exchange material, and during other steps of an ion exchange process according to the methods and systems described herein. In some embodiments, use of lithium selective sorbent composites that comprise coated ion exchange particles allows for the use of a concentrated acid as an acid eluent to yield a synthetic lithium solution.

[0064] In one aspect described herein, an ion exchange material is selected for use in lithium selective sorbent composites based on one or more properties of the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, desirable properties of the ion exchange material comprise high lithium absorption capacity, high selectivity for lithium extraction from a liquid resource relative toWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 extraction of other ions such as sodium and magnesium, strong lithium uptake in liquid resources including those with low concentrations of lithium, facile elution of lithium with a small excess of acid, fast ionic diffusion throughout the ion exchange material, combinations thereof, and sub-combinations thereof. In one aspect described herein, a coating material is selected for use as a coating for ion exchange particles based on its ability to prevent undesirable dissolution and chemical degradation of the ion exchange particles during lithium elution from the ion exchange particles in acid and also during lithium uptake by the ion exchange particles from liquid resources.

[0065] In some embodiments, wherein lithium selective sorbent composites are used in an ion exchange device, the liquid resource containing lithium is flowed through the ion exchange device so that the lithium selective sorbent composites absorb lithium from the liquid resource while releasing hydrogen. After the lithium selective sorbent composites have absorbed lithium, an acid is pumped through the ion exchange device so that the lithium selective sorbent composites release lithium into the acid while absorbing hydrogen. In some embodiments, the ion exchange device is operated in a co-flow mode wherein the liquid resource and acid are alternately flowed through the ion exchange device in the same direction. In some embodiments, the ion exchange device is operated in counter-flow mode wherein the liquid resource and acid are alternately flowed through the ion exchange device in opposite directions. In some embodiments, in between flows of the liquid resource and flows of acid, water or other solutions is flowed through the ion exchange device for purposes such as adjusting pH in the ion exchange device or removing potential contaminants. In some embodiments, lithium selective sorbent composites form a fixed bed or a moving bed, wherein the moving bed can move in a direction opposed to the flows of liquid resource and acid. In some embodiments, lithium selective sorbent composites are moved between multiple ion exchange devices, wherein the lithium selective sorbent composites form a moving bed that can be transferred from one ion exchange device to another. In some embodiments, lithium selective sorbent composites are moved between multiple ion exchange devices, wherein different ion exchange devices are independently configured to accommodate a flow of liquid resource, a flow of acid, a flow of water, or a flow of another process fluid. In some embodiments, before or after the liquid resource is flowed through an ion exchange device, the liquid resource is subjected to other processes including other ion exchange processes, solvent extraction, evaporation, chemical treatment, precipitation to remove lithium, precipitation to remove other chemical species, or to otherwise treat the liquid resource.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0066] In some embodiments, wherein ion exchange particles are used in an ion exchange device, the liquid resource containing lithium is flowed through the ion exchange device so that the ion exchange particles absorb lithium from the liquid resource while releasing hydrogen. After the ion exchange particles have absorbed lithium, an acid is pumped through the ion exchange device so that the ion exchange particles release lithium into the acid while absorbing hydrogen. In some embodiments, the ion exchange device is operated in a co-flow mode wherein the liquid resource and acid are alternately flowed through the ion exchange device in the same direction. In some embodiments, the ion exchange device is operated in counter-flow mode wherein the liquid resource and acid are alternately flowed through the ion exchange device in opposite directions. In some embodiments, in between flows of the liquid resource and flows of acid, water or other solutions are flowed through the ion exchange device for purposes such as adjusting pH in the ion exchange device or removing potential contaminants. In some embodiments, ion exchange particles form a fixed bed or a moving bed, wherein the moving bed can move in a direction opposed to the flows of liquid resource and acid. In some embodiments, ion exchange particles are moved between multiple ion exchange devices, wherein the ion exchange particles form a moving bed that can be transferred from one ion exchange device to another. In some embodiments, ion exchange particles are moved between multiple ion exchange devices, wherein different ion exchange devices are independently configured to accommodate a flow of liquid resource, a flow of acid, a flow of water, or a flow of another process fluid. In some embodiments, before or after the liquid resource is flowed through an ion exchange device, the liquid resource is subjected to other processes including other ion exchange processes, solvent extraction, evaporation, chemical treatment, precipitation to remove lithium, precipitation to remove other chemical species, or to otherwise treat the liquid resource.

[0067] In some embodiments, when ion exchange material is treated with acid a synthetic lithium solution is produced. In some embodiments, the synthetic lithium solution is further processed to produce lithium chemicals. In some embodiments, lithium chemicals produced from synthetic lithium solutions are provided for an industrial application. In some embodiments, lithium chemicals produced from synthetic lithium solutions are further processed to produce one or more alternative lithium chemicals that are contemplated for use in an application for which the one or more alternative lithium chemicals is better suited as compared to the lithium chemicals.

[0068] In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent is a protonated ion exchange material or an adsorbent. In some embodiments, said protonated ion exchange material is generated by treating a pre-activated ion exchange material with an acid. In some embodiments,WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 said pre-activated ion exchange material comprises LiFePO4, LiMnPO4, Li2MTiO3, Li2MnO3, Li2SnO3, Li4Ti5O12, Li4Mn5O12, LiMn2O4, Li1.6Mn1.6O4, LiAlO2, LiCuO2, LiTiO2, Li4TiO4, Li7Ti11O24, Li3VO4, Li2Si3O7, Li2CuP2O7, modifications thereof, solid solutions thereof, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, said lithium selective sorbent is an adsorbent. In some embodiments, the adsorbent comprises a crystalline lithium salt aluminate, a lithium aluminum intercalate, LiCl·2Al(OH)3, crystalline aluminum trihydroxide (Al(OH)3), gibbsite, beyerite, nordstrandite, alumina hydrate, bauxite, amorphous aluminum trihydroxide, activated alumina layered lithium-aluminum double hydroxides, Li Al2(OH)6Cl, combinations thereof, compounds thereof, or solid solutions thereof. In some embodiments, the adsorbent comprises a lithium aluminum intercalate.

[0069] In some embodiments, a pre-activated ion exchange material is selected from the following list: an oxide, a phosphate, an oxyfluoride, a fluorophosphate, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, an oxide, a phosphate, an oxyfluoride, a fluorophosphate, or combinations thereof independently further comprise: (i) lithium, and (ii) manganese or titanium. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is an oxide that further comprises: (i) lithium, and (ii) manganese or titanium. In some embodiments, the pre-activated ion exchange material is selected from the following list: Li4Mn5O12, Li4Ti5O12, Li2MO3 (M = Ti, Mn, Sn), LiMn2O4, Li1.6Mn1.6O4, LiMO2 (M = Al, Cu, Ti), Li4TiO4, Li7Ti11O24, Li3VO4, Li2Si3O7, LiFePO4, LiMnPO4, Li2CuP2O7, Al(OH)3, LiCl.xAl(OH)3.yH2O, SnO2.xSb2O5.yH2O, TiO2.xSb2O5.yH2O, solid solutions thereof, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the pre-activated ion exchange material is selected from the following list: Li4Mn5O12, Li4Ti5O12, Li1.6Mn1.6O4, Li2MO3 (M = Ti, Mn, Sn), LiFePO4, solid solutions thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0070] In some embodiments, a coating material used to form a coating on the lithium selective sorbent. In some embodiments, a coating material used to form a coating on an ion exchange material or on ion exchange particles that comprise an ion exchange material is selected from the following list: a carbide, a nitride, an oxide, a phosphate, a fluoride, a polymer, carbon, a carbonaceous material, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the coating material comprises an oxide different from the oxide of the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, a coating material is selected from the following list: TiO2, ZrO2, MoO2, SnO2, Nb2O5, Ta2O5, SiO2, Li2TiO3, Li2ZrO3, Li2SiO3, Li2MnO3, Li2MoO3, LiNbO3, LiTaO3, AlPO4, LaPO4, ZrP2O7, MoP2O7, Mo2P3O12, BaSO4, AlF3, SiC, TiC, ZrC, Si3N4, ZrN, BN, carbon, graphitic carbon, amorphous carbon, hard carbon, diamond-like carbon, solid solutions thereof, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a coating material is selected from the followingWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 list: TiO2, ZrO2, MoO2, SiO2, Li2TiO3, Li2ZrO3, Li2SiO3, Li2MnO3, LiNbO3, AlF3, SiC, Si3N4, graphitic carbon, amorphous carbon, diamond-like carbon, or combinations thereof.

[0071] In some embodiments, the ion exchange particles have an average diameter that is selected from the following list: less than 10 nm, less than 100 nm, less than 1,000 nm, less than 10,000 nm, or less than 100,000 nm. In some embodiments, the ion exchange particles have an average size that is selected from the following list: less than 200 nm, less than 2,000 nm, or less than 20,000 nm. In some embodiments, the ion exchange particles have an average diameter that is selected from the following list: at most 10 nm, at most 100 nm, at most 1,000 nm, at most 10,000 nm, or at most 100,000 nm. In some embodiments, the ion exchange particles have an average size that is selected from the following list: at most 200 nm, at most 2,000 nm, or at most 20,000 nm.

[0072] It is recognized that measurements of average particle diameter can vary according to the method of determination utilized. Determination of said average particle diameter according to one method to obtain one or more values shall be understood to inherently encompass all other values that may be obtained using other methods. The average particle diameter can be determined using sieve analysis. The average particle diameter can be determined using optical microscopy. The average particle diameter can be determined using electron microscopy. The average particle diameter can be determined using laser diffraction. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter is determined using laser diffraction, wherein a Bettersizer ST instrument is used. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter is determined using a Bettersizer ST instrument. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter is determined using laser diffraction, wherein an Anton-Parr particle size analyzer (PSA) instrument is used. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter is determined using an Anton-Parr PSA instrument. The average particle diameter can be determined using dynamic light scattering. The average particle diameter can be determined using static image analysis. The average particle diameter can be determined using dynamic image analysis.

[0073] In some embodiments, the ion exchange particles are secondary particles comprised of smaller primary particles that have an average diameter selected from the following list: less than 10 nm, less than 100 nm, less than 1,000 nm, or less than 10,000 nm. In some embodiments, smaller primary particles comprise an ion exchange material. In some embodiments, the ion exchange particles are secondary particles comprised of smaller primary particles that have an average diameter selected from the following list: at most 10 nm, at most 100 nm, at most 1,000 nm, or at most 10,000 nm. In some embodiments, smaller primary particles comprise an ion exchange material.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0074] In some embodiments, the ion exchange material or the ion exchange particles comprising an ion exchange material have a coating comprising a coating material with a thickness selected from the following list: less than 1 nm, less than 10 nm, less than 100 nm, or less than 1,000 nm. In some embodiments, the coating material has a thickness selected from the following list: less than 1 nm, less than 10 nm, or less than 100 nm. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material or the ion exchange particles comprising an ion exchange material have a coating comprising a coating material with a thickness selected from the following list: at most 1 nm, at most 10 nm, at most 100 nm, or at most 1,000 nm. In some embodiments, the coating material has a thickness selected from the following list: at most 1 nm, at most 10 nm, or at most 100 nm.

[0075] In some embodiments, the ion exchange material and the coating material form one or more concentration gradients such that the chemical composition of coated ion exchange particles comprising the ion exchange material and the coating material ranges between two or more compositions. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material and the coating material form a concentration gradient within the coated ion exchange particles comprising the ion exchange material and the coating material that extends over a thickness selected from the following list: less than 1 nm, less than 10 nm, less than 100 nm, less than 1,000 nm, less than 10,000 nm, or less than 100,000 nm. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material and the coating material form a concentration gradient within the coated ion exchange particles comprising the ion exchange material and the coating material that extends over a thickness selected from the following list: at most 1 nm, at most 10 nm, at most 100 nm, at most 1,000 nm, at most 10,000 nm, or at most 100,000 nm.

[0076] In some embodiments, coating thickness may be measured by any one or more of electron microscopy, optical microscopy, couloscopy, nanoindentation, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence. In some embodiments, coating thickness may be inferred or extrapolated from data obtained according to an analytical method that indicates the bulk composition of the coated ion exchange particle, or the ion exchange material that further comprises the coating material. In some embodiments, coating thickness may be inferred by differential analysis of data obtained by analysis of ion exchange material that further comprises a coating material and data obtained by analysis ion exchange material that does not further comprise a coating material. In some embodiments, coating thickness may be inferred by differential analysis of data obtained by analysis of one or more coated ion exchange particles and data obtained by analysis of one or more uncoated ion exchange particles.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0077] In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is synthesized by a method selected from the following list: hydrothermal, solvothermal, sol-gel, solid state, molten salt flux, ion exchange, microwave, ball milling, precipitation, or vapor deposition. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is synthesized by a method selected from the following list: hydrothermal, solid state, or microwave.

[0078] In some embodiments, a coating material is deposited to form a coating by a method selected from the following list: chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, physical vapor deposition, hydrothermal, solvothermal, sol-gel, solid state, molten salt flux, ion exchange, microwave, wet impregnation, precipitation, titration, aging, ball milling, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the coating material is deposited to form a coating by a method selected from the following list: chemical vapor deposition, hydrothermal, titration, solvothermal, wet impregnation, sol-gel, precipitation, microwave, or combinations thereof.

[0079] In some embodiments, a coating material is deposited to form a coating with physical characteristics selected from the following list: crystalline, amorphous, full coverage, partial coverage, uniform, non-uniform, or combinations thereof.

[0080] In some embodiments, multiple coating materials are deposited to form multiple coatings on the ion exchange material in an arrangement selected from the following list: concentric, patchwork, or combinations thereof.

[0081] In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites comprise a porogen that is a salt that can be dissolved out of the lithium selective sorbent composites to form a network of pores within the lithium selective sorbent composites. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites comprise a porogen that is a salt that can be dissolved out of the lithium selective sorbent composites using a solution selected from the following list: water, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, a surfactant mixture, an acid, a base, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites comprise a porogen that is a material that thermally decomposes to form a gas at high temperature such that the thermal decomposition of the filler material forms a network of pores within the lithium selective sorbent composite. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites comprise a porogen that is a material that thermally decomposes to form a gas at high temperature wherein the gas is selected from the following list: water vapor, oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, organic vapors, or combinations thereof.

[0082] In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites are formed from dry powder. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites are formed using aWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 mechanical press, a pellet press, a tablet press, a pill press, a rotary press, or combinations thereof.

[0083] In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites are approximately spherical with an average diameter selected from the following list: less than 10 μm, less than 100 μm, less than 1 mm, less than 1 cm, or less than 10 cm. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites are approximately spherical with an average diameter selected from the following list: less than 200 μm, less than 2 mm, or less than 20 mm. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites are approximately spherical with an average diameter selected from the following list: at most 10 μm, at most 100 μm, at most 1 mm, at most 1 cm, or at most 10 cm. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites are approximately spherical with an average diameter selected from the following list: at most 200 μm, at most 2 mm, or at most 20 mm.

[0084] In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites are tablet-shaped with a diameter of less than 1 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 8 mm, or less than 20 mm and with a height of less than 1 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 8 mm, or less than 20 mm. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites are tablet- shaped with a diameter of at most 1 mm, at most 2 mm, at most 4 mm, at most 8 mm, or at most 20 mm and with a height of at most 1 mm, at most 2 mm, at most 4 mm, at most 8 mm, or at most 20 mm.

[0085] In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites are embedded in a support structure, which can be a membrane, a spiral-wound membrane, a hollow fiber membrane, or a mesh. In some embodiments, the ion exchange beads are embedded on a support structure comprised of a polymer, a ceramic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent composites are loaded directly into an ion exchange column with no additional support structure.

[0086] In some embodiments, the liquid resource has a lithium concentration selected from the following list: less than 100,000 mg / L, less than 10,000 mg / L, less than 1,000 mg / L, less than 100 mg / L, less than 10 mg / L, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the liquid resource has a lithium concentration selected from the following list: less than 5,000 mg / L, less than 500 mg / L, less than 50 mg / L, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the liquid resource has a lithium concentration selected from the following list: at most 100,000 mg / L, at most 10,000 mg / L, at most 1,000 mg / L, at most 100 mg / L, at most 10 mg / L, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the liquid resource has a lithium concentration selected from the following list: at most 5,000 mg / L, at most 500 mg / L, at most 50 mg / L, or combinations thereof.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0087] In some embodiments, the acid used for eluting lithium from the ion exchange material is selected from the following list: hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrobromic acid, chloric acid, perchloric acid, nitric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the acid used for eluting lithium from the ion exchange material is selected from the following list: hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, or combinations thereof.

[0088] In some embodiments, the acid used for recovering lithium from the ion exchange material has an acid concentration selected from the following list: less than 0.1 M, less than 1.0 M, less than 5 M, less than 10 M, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the acid used for recovering lithium from the ion exchange material has an acid concentration selected from the following list: at most 0.1 M, at most 1.0 M, at most 5 M, at most 10 M, or combinations thereof.

[0089] In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is utilized in an ion exchange process repeatedly over a number of cycles selected from the following list: greater than 10 cycles, greater than 30 cycles, greater than 100 cycles, greater than 300 cycles, or greater than 1,000 cycles. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is utilized in an ion exchange process repeatedly over a number of cycles selected from the following list: greater than 50 cycles, greater than 100 cycles, or greater than 200 cycles. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is utilized in an ion exchange process repeatedly over a number of cycles selected from the following list: at least 10 cycles, at least 30 cycles, at least 100 cycles, at least 300 cycles, at least 500 cycles, at least 1,000 cycles, at least 2,000 cycles, or at least 5,000 cycles. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is utilized in an ion exchange process repeatedly over a number of cycles selected from the following list: at least 50 cycles, at least 100 cycles, at least 200 cycles, at least 500 cycles, at least 1,000 cycles, at least 2,000 cycles or at least 5,000 cycles.

[0090] In some embodiments, a cycle comprises contacting a lithium-selective sorbent with a liquid resource to provide a lithiated lithium-selective sorbent and contacting the lithiated lithium-selective sorbent with an acidic solution (e.g., acid) to provide a synthetic lithium solution (e.g., lithium eluate). In some embodiments, the lithium-selective sorbent is used (e.g., a process for generating a synthetic lithium solution is conducted) for at least 10 cycles, at least 50 cycles, at least 100 cycles, at least 250 cycles, at least 500 cycles, at least 1000 cycles, at least 2000 cycles, at least 3000 cycles, at least 4000 cycles, at least 5000 cycles, at least 6000 cycles, at least 7000 cycles, at least 8000 cycles, at least 9000 cycles, or at least 10000 cycles.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0091] In some embodiments, the synthetic lithium solution that is yielded from the ion exchange material is further processed into lithium chemicals, lithium compounds, or lithium raw materials using methods selected from the following list: solvent extraction, ion exchange, chemical precipitation, electrodialysis, electrowinning, evaporation with direct solar energy, evaporation with concentrated solar energy, evaporation with a heat transfer medium heated by concentrated solar energy, evaporation with heat from a geothermal brine, evaporation with heat from combustion, or combinations thereof.

[0092] In some embodiments, the synthetic lithium solution that is yielded from the ion exchange material is further processed into lithium chemicals selected from the following list: lithium chloride, lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, lithium metal, lithium metal oxide, lithium metal phosphate, lithium sulfide, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the synthetic lithium solution that is yielded from the ion exchange material is further processed into lithium chemicals that are solid, liquid, hydrated, or anhydrous.

[0093] In some embodiments, the lithium chemicals produced using the synthetic lithium solution are used in an industrial application selected from the following list: lithium batteries, metal alloys, glass, grease, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the lithium chemicals produced using the synthetic lithium solution derived from the ion exchange material are used in an industrial application selected from the following list: lithium batteries, metal alloys, glass, grease, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the lithium chemicals produced using the synthetic lithium solution derived from the coated ion exchange particles are used in an application selected from the following list: lithium batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium sulfur batteries, lithium solid-state batteries, and combinations thereof.

[0094] In some embodiments, the ion exchange materials are synthesized in a lithiated state, wherein a sublattice of the ion exchange material is fully or partially occupied by lithium. In some embodiments, the ion exchange materials are synthesized in a hydrogenated state, wherein a sublattice of the ion exchange material is fully or partially occupied by hydrogen.

[0095] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term lithium-selective sorbent comprises all lithium-selective ion exchange materials. Ion exchange materials that selectively absorb and release lithium ions are lithium-selective ion exchange materials. In some embodiments, lithium selective sorbent composites comprise a lithium-selective sorbent. In some embodiments, ion exchange particles comprise a lithium-selective sorbent. In some embodiments, lithium-selective sorbents comprise an inorganic material that selectively absorbs lithium over other ions. In some embodiments, a lithium selective sorbent is a crystalline lithium salt aluminate, a lithium aluminum intercalate, LiCl∙2Al(OH)3, crystalline aluminum trihydroxide (Al(OH)3), gibbsite,WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 beyerite, nordstrandite, alumina hydrate, bauxite, amorphous aluminum trihydroxide, activated alumina layered lithium-aluminum double hydroxides, LiAl2(OH)6Cl, combinations thereof, compounds thereof, or solid solutions thereof.

[0096] Lithium-selective ion exchange materials can be used in a method for lithium recovery from a liquid resource. Lithium-selective ion exchange materials can be used in a system for lithium recovery from a liquid resource. Lithium-selective ion exchange materials can be used in an ion exchange device. Lithium-selective ion exchange materials absorb lithium from a liquid resource while releasing hydrogen, and then elute lithium in an eluent while absorbing hydrogen from the eluent. This ion exchange process is optionally repeated to extract lithium from a liquid resource and yield a synthetic lithium solution. The synthetic lithium solution is optionally further processed into chemicals for the battery industry or other industries.

[0097] The performance parameters of lithium recovery by an ion exchange material are reflected in the ability of the ion exchange material to absorb lithium from a liquid resource in high quantity and in high purity over long periods time. When a given amount of an ion exchange material contacts a given amount of liquid resource, wash solution, eluent solution, or other process fluids, the effectiveness of selective lithium absorption, washing, lithium release / elution, or other treatment depends on effective contact of process fluids with the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, effective contact implies that a given amount of ion exchange material is contacted with the same amount of process fluid, and that the composition of said fluid is the same as that contacting the entirety of the ion exchange material. As such, in some embodiments, it is essential that devices for lithium recovery be configured in a manner such that the ion exchange material can make uniform contact with process fluids. In some embodiments, uniform contact implies that a liquid resource from which lithium is extracted uniformly contacts an ion exchange material which absorbs lithium while releasing protons.

[0098] Optimizing the performance parameters of lithium recovery is advantageous for lithium production from liquid resources using ion exchange processes that utilize one or more ion exchange materials. Disclosed herein are methods and systems for optimizing the performance parameters of lithium recovery using ion exchange materials that comprise lithium- selective sorbents by adjusting the concentration of lithium and pH of a liquid resource to be placed in contact with the ion exchange material. Adjusting the concentration of lithium in a liquid resource can yield a concentration-adjusted liquid resource according to some embodiments.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0099] Adjusting the concentration of lithium in a liquid resource can result in the most optimal utilization of an ion exchange material utilized for lithium recovery, and helps ensure a prolonged lifetime of the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, the concentration of lithium in a liquid resource is increased to result in the most optimal utilization of an ion exchange material. In some embodiments, the concentration of lithium in a liquid resource is decreased to result in the most optimal utilization of an ion exchange material. In some embodiments, the pH of the liquid resource is adjusted in addition to the concentration of lithium in a liquid resource to result in the most optimal utilization of an ion exchange material.

[0100] In some embodiments, the most optimal utilization of an ion exchange material results in improved or optimized performance parameters for lithium recovery. In some embodiments, improved or optimized performance parameters comprise a longer useful lifetime of the ion exchange material used in the methods and systems described herein. In some embodiments, improved or optimized performance parameters comprise a higher lithium production rate for flow of the same amount of liquid resource across the ion exchange material used in the methods and systems described herein. In some embodiments, improved or optimized performance parameters comprise a higher lithium purity of the lithium provided by the ion exchange material used in the methods and systems described herein. In some embodiments, improved or optimized performance parameters comprise a greater quantity of lithium provided by a given quantity of ion exchange material over its useful lifetime when the ion exchange material is used according to the methods and systems described herein. In some embodiments, improved or optimized performance parameters comprise an increase in overall lithium recovery.

[0101] According to some embodiments of methods and systems for lithium recovery from a liquid resource, lithium is extracted from the liquid resources using inorganic lithium-selective sorbents that absorb lithium ions preferentially over other ions. In some embodiments, lithium- selective sorbents comprise lithium-selective ion exchange materials. As used herein, the term “lithium-selective ion-exchange material” refers to embodiments of “lithium-selective sorbent”. In some embodiments, the lithium-selective sorbent is a lithium-selective ion-exchange material. In some embodiments, the lithium-selective sorbent comprises lithium-selective ion-exchange particles. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent comprises ion exchange particles. In some embodiments, the lithium-selective sorbent is an ion exchange material.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 Process of extracting lithium from a liquid resource

[0102] In one aspect described herein, is a process for lithium extraction from a liquid resource comprising treating ion exchange beads alternately with acid, brine, and optionally other solutions, in a configuration where the beads move in the net opposite direction to the acid, brine, and optionally other solutions, thereby producing a lithium-enriched solution from the liquid resource. In one embodiment, the process comprises: (a) treating the ion exchange beads with acid under conditions suitable to absorb hydrogen to generate hydrogen-enriched beads and release lithium to generate a lithium-enriched solution; (b) optionally, washing the hydrogen-enriched beads with water to generate hydrogen-enriched beads substantially free of residual acid; (c) treating the hydrogen-enriched beads with the liquid resource under conditions suitable to absorb lithium to generate lithium-enriched beads; (d) optionally, washing the lithium-enriched beads with water to generate lithium-enriched beads substantially free of liquid resource; and (e) repeating the cycle to produce a lithium-enriched solution from the liquid resource.

[0103] In some embodiments, the process of extracting lithium occurs by contacting solutions described above with ion exchange beads occurs within one or more of the devices for lithium extraction disclosed herein. Non-limiting Examples of lithium extraction with such devices are provided in Examples 1 to 13 and associated Figures 1 to 13.

[0104] In one aspect described herein, is a process for lithium extraction from a liquid resource comprising treating ion exchange material alternately with acid, brine, and optionally other solutions, in a configuration where the ion exchange material moves in the net opposite direction to the acid, brine, and optionally other solutions, thereby producing a lithium- enriched solution from the liquid resource. In one aspect described herein, is a process for lithium extraction from a liquid resource comprising treating ion exchange material alternately with acid, the liquid resource, and optionally other solutions, in a configuration where the ion exchange material moves in the net opposite direction to the acid, liquid resource, and optionally other solutions, thereby producing a lithium-enriched solution from the liquid resource. In one aspect described herein, is a process for lithium extraction from a liquid resource comprising treating ion exchange material alternately with acid, brine, and optionally other solutions, in a configuration where the ion exchange material moves in the net opposite direction to the acid, brine, and optionally other solutions, thereby producing a lithium- enriched solution from the brine. In one embodiment, the process comprises: (a) treating the ion exchange material with acid under conditions suitable to absorb hydrogen to generate hydrogen-enriched material and release lithium to generate a lithium-enriched solution; (b)WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 optionally, washing the hydrogen-enriched material with water to generate hydrogen-enriched material substantially free of residual acid; (c) treating the hydrogen-enriched material with the liquid resource under conditions suitable to absorb lithium to generate lithium-enriched material; (d) optionally, washing the lithium-enriched beads with water to generate lithium- enriched beads substantially free of liquid resource; and (e) repeating the cycle to produce a lithium-enriched solution from the liquid resource.

[0105] In one embodiment, the ion exchange beads comprise ion exchange particles that reversibly exchange lithium and hydrogen and a structural matrix material, and having a pore network. In one embodiment, the liquid resource comprises a natural brine, a dissolve salt flat, a concentrated brine, a processed brine, a filtered brine, a liquid from an ion exchange process, a liquid from a solvent extraction process, a synthetic brine, leachate from ores, leachate from minerals, leachate from clays leachate from recycled products, leachate from recycled materials, or combinations thereof.

[0106] In some embodiments herein, is a process for lithium extraction from a liquid resource comprising treating ion exchange beads alternately with acid, brine, and optionally other solutions, in a configuration where the beads move in the net opposite direction to the acid, brine, and optionally other solutions, thereby producing a lithium-enriched solution from the liquid resource, wherein the process comprises: a) treating the ion exchange beads with acid under conditions suitable to absorb hydrogen to generate hydrogen-enriched beads and release lithium to generate a lithium-enriched solution; b) optionally, washing the hydrogen- enriched beads with water to generate hydrogen-enriched beads substantially free of residual acid; c) treating the hydrogen-enriched beads with the liquid resource under conditions suitable to absorb lithium to generate lithium-enriched beads; d) optionally, washing the lithium- enriched beads with water to generate lithium-enriched beads substantially free of liquid resource; and e) repeating the cycle to produce a lithium-enriched solution from the liquid resource.

[0107] In one aspect described herein, is a process for lithium extraction from a liquid resource comprising treating ion exchange particles alternately with the liquid resource, washing fluid, and acid, in a system for the extraction of lithium ions from a liquid resource, comprising: a. an ion exchange material; b. a ion exchange vessel; and c. a pH modulating setup for increasing the pH of the liquid resource in the system.

[0108] In one aspect described herein, is a process for lithium extraction from a liquid resource comprising treating ion exchange particles alternately with the liquid resource, a washing fluid, and an acid solution, with a system for the extraction of lithium ions from aWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 liquid resource, comprising a stirred rank reactor, an ion exchange material, a pH modulating setup for increasing the pH of the liquid resource in the ion exchange vessel, and a compartment for containing the ion exchange material in the ion exchange vessel while allowing for removal of liquid resource, washing fluid, and acid solutions from the ion exchange vessel. Process of modulating pH for the extraction of lithium

[0109] An aspect of the disclosure herein is a process for the extraction of lithium ions from a liquid resource, comprising: a) contacting an ion exchange material with the liquid resource; and b) increasing the pH of the liquid resource before contact with the ion exchange material, during contact with the ion exchange material, after contact with the ion exchange material and combinations thereof.

[0110] In some embodiment, the process of contacting a liquid resource with an ion exchange material occurs within one or more of the devices for lithium extraction disclosed herein. In some embodiments, several such devices are connected, and the liquid resource undergoes a treatment to increase its pH when flowing from one such vessel to the next.

[0111] Another aspect described herein is a process for the extraction of lithium ions from a liquid resource, comprising: a) contacting an ion exchange material with the liquid resource; and b) increasing the pH of the liquid resource before contact with the ion exchange material, during contact with the ion exchange material, after contact with the ion exchange material, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments of the process, increasing the pH of the liquid resource is before contacting the ion exchange material with the liquid resource. In some embodiments of the process, increasing the pH of the liquid resource is during contacting the ion exchange material with the liquid resource. In some embodiments of the process, increasing the pH of the liquid resource is after contacting the ion exchange material with the liquid resource. In some embodiments of the process, increasing the pH of the liquid resource is before and during contacting the ion exchange material with the liquid resource. In some embodiments of the process, increasing the pH of the liquid resource is before and after contacting the ion exchange material with the liquid resource. In some embodiments of the process, increasing the pH of the liquid resource is during and after contacting the ion exchange material with the liquid resource. In some embodiments of the process, increasing the pH of the liquid resource is before, during, and after contacting the ion exchange material with the liquid resource.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0112] An aspect of the disclosure herein is a process, wherein the ion exchange material is loaded into a column. In an embodiment, the process further comprises: a) loading a liquid resource into one or more liquid resource tanks; b) connecting the column to the one or more liquid resource tanks; and c) passing the liquid resource from the one or more liquid resource tanks through the column, wherein the passing of the liquid resource occurs at least once. In an embodiment, the process further comprises increasing the pH of the liquid resource in one or more pH increasing tanks. In an embodiment, the process further comprises settling precipitates in one or more settling tanks. In an embodiment, the process further comprises storing the liquid resource in one or more storing tanks prior to or after circulating the liquid resource through the column.

[0113] An aspect of the disclosure herein is a process, wherein the process further comprises: a) loading the liquid resource into one or more liquid resource tanks; b) connecting the column to the one or more liquid resource tanks; c) passing the liquid resource from the one or more liquid resource tanks through the column, wherein the passing of the liquid resource occurs at least once; d) increasing the pH of the liquid resulting from c. in one or more pH increasing tanks; e) settling precipitates of the liquid resulting from d. in one or more settling tanks; and f) storing the liquid resulting from e. in one or more storing tanks.

[0114] An aspect of the disclosure herein is a process, wherein the ion exchange material is loaded in a plurality of columns. In an embodiment, a plurality of tanks is connected to the plurality of columns, wherein each of the plurality of tanks is immediately connected to one of the plurality of columns. In an embodiment, two or more of the plurality of columns forms at least one circuit. In an embodiment, at least one circuit is selected from a liquid resource circuit, a water washing circuit and an acid solution circuit. In an embodiment, the pH of the liquid resource is increased in the plurality of tanks connected to the plurality of columns in the liquid resource circuit. In an embodiment, the liquid resource circuit includes a plurality of columns connected to a plurality of tanks, wherein each of the plurality of tanks is immediately connected to one of the plurality of columns.

[0115] An aspect of the disclosure herein is a process, wherein the process further comprises: a) passing the liquid resource through a plurality of columns in the liquid resource circuit; b) passing an acid solution through a plurality of columns in the acid solution circuit one or more times; and c) passing water through a plurality of columns in the water washing circuit. In an embodiment, the process further comprises interchanging a plurality of columns between the liquid resource circuit, the water washing circuit and the acid solution circuit, such that: a) at least one of the plurality of columns in the liquid resource circuit becomes at leastWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 one of the plurality of columns in the water washing circuit and / or at least one of the plurality of columns in the acid solution circuit; b) at least one of the plurality of columns in the water washing circuit becomes at least one of the plurality of columns in the acid solution circuit and / or at least one of the plurality of columns in the liquid resource circuit; and / or c) at least one of the plurality of columns in the acid solution circuit becomes at least one of the plurality of columns in the liquid resource circuit and / or at least one of the plurality of columns in the water washing circuit.

[0116] An aspect of the disclosure herein is a process, wherein the ion exchange material is loaded into one or more compartments in a tank. In an embodiment, the process further comprises moving the liquid resource through the one or more compartments in the tank. In an embodiment, the tank comprises injection ports. In an embodiment, the process further comprises using the injection ports to increase the pH of the liquid resource before contact with the ion exchange material, during contact with the ion exchange material, after contact with the ion exchange material and combinations thereof.

[0117] In some embodiments, the process further comprises using the injection ports to increase the pH of the liquid resource before contact with the ion exchange material, during contact with the ion exchange material, after contact with the ion exchange material, or combinations thereof.

[0118] An aspect of the disclosure herein is a process, wherein the column further comprises a plurality of injection ports. In an embodiment, the process further comprises using the plurality of injection ports to increase the pH of the liquid resource before contact with the ion exchange material, during contact with the ion exchange material, after contact with the ion exchange material and combinations thereof.

[0119] In some embodiments, the process further comprises using the plurality of injection ports to increase the pH of the liquid resource before contact with the ion exchange material, during contact with the ion exchange material, after contact with the ion exchange material, or combinations thereof.

[0120] In an embodiment, the ion exchange material comprises a plurality of ion exchange particles. In an embodiment, the plurality of ion exchange particles in the ion exchange material is selected from uncoated ion exchange particles, coated ion exchange particles and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the ion exchange material is an ion exchange material. In an embodiment, the ion exchange material comprises a network of pores that allows liquids to move quickly from the surface of the ion exchange material to the pluralityWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 of ion exchange particles. In an embodiment, the ion exchange material is in the form of ion exchange beads.

[0121] In an embodiment, the ion exchange material extracts lithium ions from a liquid resource. During the extraction of lithium ions from a liquid resource by the ion exchange material, the pH of the liquid resource optionally decreases. Increasing the pH of the liquid resource in the system maintains the pH in a range that is suitable for lithium ion uptake by the ion exchange material. In an embodiment, increasing the pH comprises measuring the pH of the system and adjusting the pH of the system to an ideal pH range for lithium extraction. In an embodiment, for ion exchange material to absorb lithium from brine, an ideal pH range for the brine is optionally 6 to 9, a preferred pH range is optionally 4 to 9, and an acceptable pH range is optionally 2 to 9. In an embodiment, increasing the pH comprises measuring the pH of the system and wherein the pH of the system is less than 6, less than 4, or less than 2, the pH of the system is adjusted to a pH of 2 to 9, a pH of 4 to 9, or a pH of 6 to 9. In an embodiment, increasing the pH comprises measuring the pH of the system and wherein the pH of the system is at most 6, at most 4, or at most 2, the pH of the system is adjusted to a pH of 2 to 9, a pH of 4 to 9, or a pH of 6 to 9. The liquid resource

[0122] In some embodiments, the liquid resource is selected from the following list: a natural brine, a dissolved salt flat, a geothermal brine, seawater, concentrated seawater, desalination effluent, a concentrated brine, a processed brine, liquid from an ion exchange process, liquid from a solvent extraction process, a synthetic brine, leachate from ores, leachate from minerals, leachate from clays, leachate from sediments, leachate from recycled products, leachate from recycled materials, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a liquid resource is selected from the following list: a natural brine, a dissolved salt flat, a concentrated brine, a processed brine, a synthetic brine, a geothermal brine, liquid from an ion exchange process, liquid from a solvent extraction process, leachate from minerals, leachate from clays, leachate from recycled products, leachate from recycled materials, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the liquid resource is optionally pre-treated prior to entering the ion exchange reactor to remove suspended solids, hydrocarbons, organic molecules, iron, certain metals, or other chemical or ionic species. In some embodiments, the liquid resource is optionally fed into the ion exchange reactor without any pre-treatment following from its source. In some embodiments, the liquid resource is injected into a reservoir, salt lake, salt flat, basin, or other geologic deposit after lithium has been removed from the liquid resource. InWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 some embodiments, other species are recovered from the liquid resource before or after lithium recovery. In some embodiments, the pH of the liquid resource is adjusted before, during, or after lithium recovery.

[0123] In one embodiment, the liquid resource is a natural brine, a dissolved salt flat, seawater, concentrated seawater, a geothermal brine, a desalination effluent, a concentrated brine, a processed brine, an oilfield brine, a liquid from an ion exchange process, a liquid from a solvent extraction process, a synthetic brine, a leachate from an ore or combination of ores, a leachate from a mineral or combination of minerals, a leachate from a clay or combination of clays, a leachate from recycled products, a leachate from recycled materials, or combinations thereof.

[0124] In some embodiments, the liquid resource comprises industrial effluents containing lithium. In one embodiment, the industrial effluents are selected from the following list: bleed streams from bicarbonation purification of lithium carbonate, mother liquors from lithium chemical production processes, waste streams from lithium hydroxide production, recycling process effluents from battery manufacturing, wastewater from lithium processing facilities, spent electrolytes from lithium battery production, lithium-containing industrial wastewaters, lithium-bearing byproduct streams from lithium refineries, residual solutions from lithium salt crystallization processes, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the industrial effluent is a bicarbonation stream from the purification of lithium carbonate, comprising a lithium carbonate stream treated with carbon dioxide to convert the lithium carbonate into soluble lithium bicarbonate. In one embodiment, said bicarbonation stream contains lithium at a concentration of 10 to 8,000 mg / L and has a pH of between at least 6 and at most 12. In one embodiment, other industrial effluent streams containing lithium have a pH range of 0 to 14, preferably 2 to 12, and most preferably 6 to 10, with lithium concentrations ranging from 10 to 10,000 mg / L, including concentrations of 10 to 50 mg / L, 50 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 500 mg / L, 500 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 5,000 mg / L, and 5,000 to 10,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the industrial effluents are optionally pre-treated prior to lithium extraction to remove suspended solids, adjust pH, remove specific impurities, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the industrial effluents are processed without pre-treatment to recover lithium via the ion exchange processes described herein.

[0125] In one embodiment, the brine is at a temperature of -20 to 20 °C, 20 to 50 °C, 50 to 100 °C, 100 to 200 °C, or 200 to 400 °C. In one embodiment, the brine is heated or cooled to precipitate or dissolve species in the brine, or to facilitate removal of metals from the brine.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0126] In one embodiment, the brine contains lithium at a concentration of less than 1 mg / L, 1 to 50 mg / L, 50 to 200 mg / L, 200 to 500 mg / L, 500 to 2,000 mg / L, 2,000 to 5,000 mg / L, 5,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 20,000 mg / L, 20,000 to 80,000 mg / L, or greater than 80,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains lithium at a concentration of at most 1 mg / L, 1 to 50 mg / L, 50 to 200 mg / L, 200 to 500 mg / L, 500 to 2,000 mg / L, 2,000 to 5,000 mg / L, 5,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 20,000 mg / L, 20,000 to 80,000 mg / L, or at least 80,000 mg / L.

[0127] In one embodiment, the brine contains magnesium at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or greater than 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains calcium at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or greater than 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains strontium at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or greater than 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains barium at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or greater than 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains magnesium at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or at least 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains calcium at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or at least 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains strontium at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or at least 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains barium at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or at least 150,000 mg / L.

[0128] In one embodiment, the brine contains multivalent cations at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 toWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or greater than 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains multivalent ions at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or greater than 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains non- lithium impurities at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or greater than 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains transition metals at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or greater than 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains iron at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or greater than 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains manganese at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or greater than 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains multivalent cations at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or at least 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains multivalent ions at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or at least 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains non-lithium impurities at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or at least 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains transition metals at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or at least 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains iron at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or at least 150,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine contains manganese at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, 0.1 to 1 mg / L, 1 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L, 10,000 to 50,000 mg / L, 50,000 to 100,000 mg / L, 100,000 to 150,000 mg / L, or at least 150,000 mg / L.

[0129] In one embodiment, the brine is treated to produce a feed brine which has certain metals removed. In one embodiment, the feed brine contains iron at a concentration of less than 0.01, 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, mg / L, 0.1 to 1.0 mg / L, 1.0 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, or 100 to 1,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the feed brine contains manganese at a concentration of less than 0.01, 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, mg / L, 0.1 to 1.0 mg / L, 1.0 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, or 100 to 1,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the feed brine contains lead at a concentration of less than 0.01, 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, mg / L, 0.1 to 1.0 mg / L, 1.0 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, or 100 to 1,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the feed brine contains zinc at a concentration of less than 0.01, 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, mg / L, 0.1 to 1.0 mg / L, 1.0 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, or 100 to 1,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the feed brine contains lithium at a concentration of 1 to 50 mg / L, 50 to 200 mg / L, 200 to 500 mg / L, 500 to 2,000 mg / L, or greater than 2,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the brine is treated to produce a feed brine which has certain metals removed. In one embodiment, the feed brine contains iron at a concentration of at most 0.01, 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, mg / L, 0.1 to 1.0 mg / L, 1.0 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, or 100 to 1,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the feed brine contains manganese at a concentration of at most 0.01, 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, mg / L, 0.1 to 1.0 mg / L, 1.0 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, or 100 to 1,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the feed brine contains lead at a concentration of at most 0.01, 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, mg / L, 0.1 to 1.0 mg / L, 1.0 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, or 100 to 1,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the feed brine contains zinc at a concentration of at most 0.01, 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, mg / L, 0.1 to 1.0 mg / L, 1.0 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, or 100 to 1,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the feed brine contains lithium at a concentration of 1 to 50 mg / L, 50 to 200 mg / L, 200 to 500 mg / L, 500 to 2,000 mg / L, or at least 2,000 mg / L.

[0130] In one embodiment, the feed brine is processed to recover metals such as lithium and yield a spent brine or raffinate. In one embodiment, the raffinate contains residual quantities of the recovered metals at a concentration of less than 0.01, 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, mg / L, 0.1 to 1.0 mg / L, 1.0 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, or 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L. In one embodiment, the feed brine is processed to recover metals such as lithium and yield a spent brine or raffinate. In one embodiment, the raffinate contains residual quantities of the recovered metals at a concentration of at most 0.01, 0.01 to 0.1 mg / L, mg / L, 0.1 to 1.0 mg / L, 1.0 to 10 mg / L, 10 to 100 mg / L, 100 to 1,000 mg / L, or 1,000 to 10,000 mg / L.

[0131] In one embodiment, the pH of the brine is corrected to less than 0, 0 to 1, 1 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 6, 6 to 8, 4 to 8, 8 to 9, 9 to 10, 9 to 11, or 10 to 12. In one embodiment, the pH of theWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 brine is corrected to 2 to 4, 4 to 6, 6 to 8, 4 to 8, 8 to 9, 9 to 10, 9 to 11, or 10 to 12. In one embodiment, the pH of the brine is corrected to precipitate or dissolve metals. In one embodiment, the pH of the brine is corrected to at most 0, 0 to 1, 1 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 6, 6 to 8, 4 to 8, 8 to 9, 9 to 10, 9 to 11, or 10 to 12.

[0132] In one embodiment, metals are precipitated from the brine to form precipitates. In one embodiment, precipitates include transition metal hydroxides, oxy-hydroxides, sulfide, flocculants, aggregate, agglomerates, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the precipitates include Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Sc, Y, Ti, ,Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W ,Mn, Tc, Fe, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, Hg, B, Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, As, Sb, Bi, Se, Te, Po, Br, I, At, other metals, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the precipitates are concentrated into a slurry, a filter cake, a wet filter cake, a dry filter cake, a dense slurry, or a dilute slurry.

[0133] In one embodiment, the precipitates contain iron at a concentration of less than 0.01 mg / kg, 0.01 to 1 mg / kg, 1 to 100 mg / kg, 100 to 10,000 mg / kg, or 10,000 to 800,000 mg / kg. In one embodiment, the precipitates contain manganese at a concentration of less than 0.01 mg / kg, 0.01 to 1 mg / kg, 1 to 100 mg / kg, 100 to 10,000 mg / kg, or 10,000 to 800,000 mg / kg. In one embodiment, the precipitates contain lead at a concentration of less than 0.01 mg / kg, 0.01 to 1 mg / kg, 1 to 100 mg / kg, 100 to 10,000 mg / kg, or 10,000 to 800,000 mg / kg. In one embodiment, the precipitates contain arsenic at a concentration of less than 0.01 mg / kg, 0.01 to 1 mg / kg, 1 to 100 mg / kg, 100 to 10,000 mg / kg, or 10,000 to 800,000 mg / kg. In one embodiment, the precipitates contain magnesium at a concentration of less than 0.01 mg / kg, 0.01 to 1 mg / kg, 1 to 100 mg / kg, 100 to 10,000 mg / kg, or 10,000 to 800,000 mg / kg. In one embodiment, the precipitates contain Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Sc, Y, Ti, ,Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W ,Mn, Tc, Fe, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, Hg, B, Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, As, Sb, Bi, Se, Te, Po, Br, I, At, or other metals at a concentration of less than 0.01 mg / kg, 0.01 to 1 mg / kg, 1 to 100 mg / kg, 100 to 10,000 mg / kg, or 10,000 to 800,000 mg / kg. In one embodiment, the precipitates are toxic and / or radioactive. In one embodiment, the precipitates contain iron at a concentration of at most 0.01 mg / kg, 0.01 to 1 mg / kg, 1 to 100 mg / kg, 100 to 10,000 mg / kg, or 10,000 to 800,000 mg / kg. In one embodiment, the precipitates contain manganese at a concentration of at most 0.01 mg / kg, 0.01 to 1 mg / kg, 1 to 100 mg / kg, 100 to 10,000 mg / kg, or 10,000 to 800,000 mg / kg. In one embodiment, the precipitates contain lead at a concentration of at most 0.01 mg / kg, 0.01 to 1 mg / kg, 1 to 100 mg / kg, 100 to 10,000 mg / kg, or 10,000 to 800,000 mg / kg. In one embodiment, the precipitates contain arsenic at a concentration of at most 0.01 mg / kg, 0.01 to 1 mg / kg, 1 toWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 100 mg / kg, 100 to 10,000 mg / kg, or 10,000 to 800,000 mg / kg. In one embodiment, the precipitates contain magnesium at a concentration of at most 0.01 mg / kg, 0.01 to 1 mg / kg, 1 to 100 mg / kg, 100 to 10,000 mg / kg, or 10,000 to 800,000 mg / kg. In one embodiment, the precipitates contain Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Tc, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, Hg, B, Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, As, Sb, Bi, Se, Te, Po, Br, I, At, or other metals at a concentration of at most 0.01 mg / kg, 0.01 to 1 mg / kg, 1 to 100 mg / kg, 100 to 10,000 mg / kg, or 10,000 to 800,000 mg / kg.

[0134] In one embodiment, precipitates are redissolved by combining the precipitates with acid. In one embodiment, precipitates are redissolved by combining the precipitates with acid in a mixing apparatus. In one embodiment, precipitates are redissolved by combining the precipitates with acid using a high-shear mixer.

[0135] Lithium is an essential element for batteries and other technologies. Lithium is found in a variety of liquid resources, including natural and synthetic brines and leachate solutions from minerals, clays, and recycled products. Lithium is optionally extracted from such liquid resources using an ion exchange process based on inorganic ion exchange materials. These inorganic ion exchange materials absorb lithium from a liquid resource while releasing hydrogen, and then elute lithium into an acidic solution while absorbing hydrogen. This ion exchange process is optionally repeated to extract lithium from a liquid resource and yield a concentrated lithium solution. The concentrated lithium solution is optionally further processed into chemicals for the battery industry or other industries.

[0136] Ion exchange materials are optionally formed into beads and the beads are optionally loaded into ion exchange columns, stirred tank reactors, other reactors, or other systems for lithium extraction. Alternating flows or aliquots of brine, acidic solution, and optionally other solutions are flowed through or flowed into an ion exchange column, reactors, or reactor system to extract lithium from the brine and produce a lithium concentrate, which is eluted from the column using the acidic solution. As brine flows through the ion exchange column, reactors, or reactor system, the ion exchange material absorbs lithium while releasing hydrogen, where both the lithium and hydrogen are cations. The release of hydrogen during lithium uptake will acidify the brine and limit lithium uptake unless the pH of the brine is optionally maintained in a suitable range to facilitate thermodynamically favorable lithium uptake and concomitant hydrogen release. In one embodiment, pH of the liquid resource is maintained near a set-point through addition of base to neutralized protons released from the ion exchange material into the liquid resource.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 Treatment of the liquid resource

[0137] In some embodiments, the pH of the liquid resource is adjusted before, during and / or after contact with the lithium-selective ion exchange material to maintain the pH in range that is suitable for lithium uptake.

[0138] To control the pH of the brine and maintain the pH in a range that is suitable for lithium uptake in an ion exchange column, bases such as NaOH, Ca(OH)2, CaO, KOH, or NH3 are optionally added to the brine as solids, aqueous solutions, or in other forms. For brines that contain divalent ions such as Mg, Ca, Sr, or Ba, addition of base to the brine can cause precipitation of solids, such as Mg(OH)2 or Ca(OH)2, which can cause problems for the ion exchange reaction. These precipitates cause problems in at least three ways. First, precipitation can remove base from solution, leaving less base available in solution to neutralize protons and maintain pH in a suitable range for lithium uptake in the ion exchange column. Second, precipitates that form due to base addition can clog the ion exchange column, including clogging the surfaces and pores of ion exchange beads and the voids between ion exchange beads. This clogging can prevent lithium from entering the beads and being absorbed by the ion exchange material. The clogging can also cause large pressure heads in the column. Third, precipitates in the column dissolve during acid elution and thereby contaminate the lithium concentrate produced by the ion exchange system. For ion exchange beads to absorb lithium from brine, an ideal pH range for the brine is optionally 5 to 7, a preferred pH range is optionally 4 to 8, and an acceptable pH range is optionally 1 to 9. In one embodiment, an pH range for the brine is optionally about 1 to about 14, about 2 to about 13, about 3 to about 12, about 4 to about 12, about 4.5 to about 11, about 5 to about 10, about 5 to about 9, about 2 to about 5, about 2 to about 4, about 2 to about 3, about 3 to about 8, about 3 to about 7, about 3 to about 6, about 3 to about 5, about 3 to about 4, about 4 to about 10, about 4 to about 9, about 4 to about 8, about 4 to about 7, about 4 to about 6, about 4 to about 5, about 5 to about 6, about 5 to about 7, about 5 to about 8, about 6 to about 7, about 6 to about 8, or about 7 to about 8.

[0139] In one embodiment, the liquid resource is subjected to treatment prior to ion exchange. In some embodiments, said treatment comprises filtration, gravity sedimentation, centrifugal sedimentation, magnetic fields, other methods of solid-liquid separation, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, precipitated metals are removed from the brine using a filter. In some embodiments, the filter is a belt filter, plate-and-frame filter press, pressure vessel containing filter elements, rotary drum filter, rotary disc filter, cartridge filter, aWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 centrifugal filter with a fixed or moving bed, a metal screen, a perforated basket centrifuge, a three-point centrifuge, a peeler type centrifuge, or a pusher centrifuge. In some embodiments, the filter may use a scroll or a vibrating device. In some embodiments, the filter is horizontal, vertical, or may use a siphon.

[0140] In some embodiments, a filter cake is prevented, limited, or removed by using gravity, centrifugal force, an electric field, vibration, brushes, liquid jets, scrapers, intermittent reverse flow, vibration, crow-flow filtration, or pumping suspensions across the surface of the filter. In some embodiments, the precipitated metals and a liquid is moved tangentially to the filter to limit cake growth. In some embodiments, gravitational, magnetic, centrifugal sedimentation, or other means of solid-liquid separation are used before, during, or after filtering to prevent cake formation.

[0141] In some embodiments, a filter comprises a screen, a metal screen, a sieve, a sieve bend, a bent sieve, a high frequency electromagnetic screen, a resonance screen, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one or more particle traps are a solid-liquid separation apparatus.

[0142] In some embodiments, one or more solid-liquid separation apparatuses are used in series or parallel. In some embodiments, a dilute slurry is removed from the tank, transferred to an external solid-liquid separation apparatus, and separated into a concentrated slurry and a solution with low or no suspended solids. In some embodiments, the concentrated slurry is returned to the tank or transferred to a different tank. In some embodiments, precipitate metals are transferred from a brine tank to another brine tank, from an acid tank to another acid tank, from a washing tank to another washing tank, from a brine tank to a washing tank, from a washing tank to an acid tank, from an acid tank to a washing tank, or from an acid tank to a brine tank.

[0143] In some embodiments, solid-liquid separation apparatuses may use gravitational sedimentation. In some embodiments, solid-liquid separation apparatuses may include a settling tank, a thickener, a clarifier, a gravity thickener. In some embodiments, solid-liquid separation apparatuses are operated in batch mode, semi-batch mode, semi-continuous mode, or continuous mode. In some embodiments, solid-liquid separation apparatuses include a circular basin thickener with slurry entering through a central inlet such that the slurry is dispersed into the thickener with one or more raking components that rotate and concentrate the ion exchange particles into a zone where the particles can leave through the bottom of the thickener.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0144] In some embodiments, solid-liquid separation apparatuses include a deep cone, a deep cone tank, a deep cone compression tank, or a tank wherein the slurry is compacted by weight. In some embodiments, solid-liquid separation apparatuses include a tray thickener with a series of thickeners oriented vertically with a center axle and raking components. In some embodiments, solid-liquid separation apparatuses include a lamella type thickener with inclined plates or tubes that are smooth, flat, rough, or corrugated. In some embodiments, solid-liquid separation apparatuses include a gravity clarifier that is a rectangular basin with feed at one end and overflow at the opposite end optionally with paddles and / or a chain mechanism to move particles. In some embodiments, the solid-liquid separation apparatuses are a particle trap.

[0145] In some embodiments, the solid-liquid separation apparatuses use centrifugal sedimentation. In some embodiments, solid-liquid separation apparatuses may include a tubular centrifuge, a multi-chamber centrifuge, a conical basket centrifuge, a scroll-type centrifuge, a sedimenting centrifuge, or a disc centrifuge. In some embodiments, precipitated metals are discharged continuously or intermittently from the centrifuge. In some embodiments, the solid-liquid separation apparatus is a hydrocyclone. In some embodiments, solid-liquid separation apparatus is an array of hydrocyclones or centrifuges in series and / or in parallel. In some embodiments, sumps are used to reslurry the precipitated metals. In some embodiments, the hydrocyclones have multiple feed points. In some embodiments, a hydrocyclone is used upside down. In some embodiments, liquid is injected near the apex of the cone of a hydrocyclone to improve sharpness of cut. In some embodiments, a weir rotates in the center of the particle trap with a feed of slurried precipitated metals entering near the middle of the apparatus, and precipitated metals get trapped at the bottom and center of the apparatus due to a “teacup effect”. Treatment of the ion exchange material with chemical additives

[0146] In an aspect, described herein is a system for contacting the ion exchange material with chemical additives. In some embodiments, a system for extracting lithium from a liquid resource comprises the system for contacting the ion exchange material with chemical additives. In some embodiments, a method for extracting lithium from a liquid resource comprises contacting the ion exchange material with chemical additives. In some embodiments, a method for extracting lithium from a liquid resource comprises contacting the liquid resource, the wash solution, or the acidic solution with chemical additives prior to contacting the liquid resource, the wash solution, or the acidic solution with the ion exchangeWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 material. In some embodiments, the process of producing lithium by ion exchange makes use of said system to add chemical additives. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with a chemical additive by directly treating the ion exchange material with the chemical additive. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with a chemical additive by treating the liquid resource with one or more chemical additives, and then contacting said liquid resource containing chemical additives with the ion exchange material to absorb the lithium in the liquid resource. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with a chemical additive by treating the process water with one or more chemical additives, and then contacting said process water containing chemical additives with the ion exchange material to wash the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with a chemical additive by treating an acid with one or more chemical additives, and then contacting said acid with the ion exchange material to elute lithium. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with a chemical additive by treating a base with one or more chemical additives, and then contacting said base with the ion exchange material to adjust the pH of the liquid resource.

[0147] In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with one or more chemical additives before lithium is absorbed from a liquid resource thereby. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with one or more chemical additives while lithium is absorbed from a liquid resource thereby. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with one or more chemical additives after lithium is absorbed from a liquid resource thereby. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with one or more chemical additives before entrained brine is removed from the ion exchange beads by washing, direct application, or other methods. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with one or more chemical additives while entrained brine is removed from the ion exchange beads by washing or other methods. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with one or more chemical additives after entrained brine is removed from the ion exchange beads by washing or other methods. In some embodiments, the brine is removed from the ion exchange beads by treatment with a stream comprising one or more chemical additives. In some embodiments, said stream comprising one or more chemical additives comprises water, brine, a liquid resource, an aqueous solution, or a gas. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with one or more chemical additives before said ion exchange beads are contacted with an acid to elute lithium. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with one or more chemical additives while said ion exchange beads are contacted with an acid to elute lithium. In someWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with one or more chemical additives after said ion exchange beads are contacted with an acid to elute lithium. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with chemical additives before and after each of steps (lithium absorption, removal of entrained brine, and elution) described above. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with chemical additives before and / or after some of each of steps (lithium absorption, removal of entrained brine, and elution) described above.

[0148] In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with chemical additives during each ion exchange cycle wherein each cycle comprises lithium absorption and lithium elution. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with chemical additives during each ion exchange cycle or every other ion exchange cycle wherein each cycle comprises lithium absorption and lithium elution. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with chemical additives every second ion exchange cycle wherein each cycle comprises lithium absorption and lithium elution. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with chemical additives in even or uneven intervals of ion exchange cycles, wherein each cycle comprises lithium absorption and lithium elution.

[0149] In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with one or more chemical additives during continuous cycles, wherein each cycle comprises lithium absorption and lithium elution. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with one or more chemical additives during a single cycle, or a series of selected cycles. In some embodiments, the exposure of the ion exchange material to the one or more chemical additives during a period of cycles is paused or omitted.

[0150] In some embodiments, one or more chemical additives are independently added (e.g., to the liquid resource, the washing solution, the acid solution, the ion exchange material, the raffinate, the lithium eluate) in discrete quantities at regular intervals throughout an ion exchange cycle. In some embodiments, one or more chemical additives are independently added in varying quantities at regular intervals throughout an ion exchange cycle. In some embodiments, one or more chemical additives are independently added in discrete quantities at irregular intervals throughout an ion exchange cycle. In some embodiments, one or more chemical additives are independently added in varying quantities at irregular intervals throughout an ion exchange cycle. Accordingly, one or more chemical additives can be independently added one or more times during an ion exchange cycle. In some embodiments, during an ion exchange cycle one or more chemical additives are independently added (e.g., toWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 the liquid resource, the washing solution, the acid solution, the ion exchange material, the raffinate, the lithium eluate) 1 time to 10 times.

[0151] In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with a chemical additive during absorption of lithium from a liquid resource. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with a chemical additive during washing with a washing solution. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with a chemical additive during washing with a washing process water. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with a chemical additive during elution of absorbed lithium with an acid. In some embodiments, the ion exchange material is contacted with a chemical additive during one or more of the steps of ion exchange: absorption of lithium from a liquid resource, washing with a washing solution, or elution with an acid.

[0152] In some embodiments, treatment of the liquid resource, wash water, or acid with the chemical additive occurs in a mixing tank. In some embodiments, treatment of the liquid resource, wash water, or acid with the chemical additive occurs in a mixing tank fitted with an agitator, an eductor, a nozzle, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, treatment of the liquid resource, wash water, or acid with the chemical additive occurs in an inline mixer. In some embodiments, treatment of the liquid resource, wash water, or acid with the chemical additive occurs in an electrochemical cell.

[0153] In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive adjusts the oxidation-reduction potential of the liquid resource, the process water, the acid, the base, the ion-exchange material or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive increases or decreases the oxidation-reduction potential of the liquid resource, the process water, the acid, the base, the ion-exchange material or combinations thereof.

[0154] In some embodiments, treatment with a chemical additive is performed in conjunction with pH adjustment. In some embodiments, said pH adjustment is performed by addition of an acid or a base. In some embodiments, pH adjustment is performed to maintain the pH of the solution comprising said chemical additive at a value of about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, or about 14. In some embodiments, pH adjustment is performed to maintain the pH of the solution comprising said chemical additive at a value of about 1 to about 14.

[0155] In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive increases the oxidation state of the elements that the ion exchange material is comprised of. In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemicalWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 additive decreases the oxidation state of the elements that the ion exchange material is comprised of. In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive increases the oxidation state of the elements that the ion exchange material is comprised of at the surface of the ion-exchange particles. In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive decreases the oxidation state of the elements that the ion exchange material is comprised of at the surface of the ion-exchange particles.

[0156] In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive decreases the oxidation-reduction potential of the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive increases the oxidation-reduction potential of the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive decreases the oxidation-reduction potential at the surface of the ion-exchange material. In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive increases the oxidation-reduction potential at the surface of the ion-exchange material.

[0157] In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive prevents a change in the crystal structure of the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive slows the change in the crystal structure of the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive prevents the decay of the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive prevents the decay of the oxide in the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive prevents the decay of the polymer matrix in the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive preserves the textural properties of the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive prevents the dissolution of the ion exchange material in the liquid resource, wash solution, acid, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive increases the lifetime of the ion exchange material results in an increased production of lithium carbonate equivalents per kilogram of ion exchange material during the lifetime of said ion exchange material. In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive increases the purity of the lithium eluted from the ion exchange material. Non-limiting exemplary embodiments in theWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 examples section illustrate these types of effects of chemical additives on the ion exchange material.

[0158] In some embodiments, contact of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive increases the lifetime of the ion exchange beads from about 100 cycles to about 1000 cycles of ion exchange, from about 10 cycles to about 100 cycles, from about 50 cycles to about 100 cycles, from about 100 cycles to about 200 cycles, from about 100 cycles to about 500 cycles, from about 100 cycles to about 1000 cycles, from about 200 cycles to about 500 cycles, from about 200 cycles to about 1000 cycles, from about 500 cycles to about 1000 cycles.

[0159] In some embodiments, contact of the chemical additive results in an increase of the lifetime of the ion exchange beads by about 50 cycles to about 10,000 cycles.

[0160] In some embodiments, contact of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive decreases the dissolution of the ion exchange material per cycle of ion exchange from about 1 % to about 0.01 % by mass, from about 1 % to about 0.1 % by mass, from about 1 % to about 0.5 % by mass, from about 10 % to about 0.01 % by mass, from about 10 % to about 0.1 % by mass, from about 10 % to about 1 % by mass, from about 0.5 % to about 0.01 % by mass, from about 0.5 % to about 0.1 % by mass, from about 0.1 % to about 0.01 % by mass.

[0161] In some embodiments, contact of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive increases the molar purity of the lithium in the eluent from approximately 75 % to approximately 95 %, from approximately 75 % to approximately 90 %, from approximately 75 % to approximately 85 %, from approximately 75 % to approximately 80 %, from approximately 80 % to approximately 95 %, from approximately 80 % to approximately 90 %, from approximately 80 % to approximately 85 %, from approximately 85 % to approximately 95 %, from approximately 85 % to approximately 90 %.

[0162] In some embodiments, the chemical additive comprises a redox agent. A redox agent is a chemical agent that adjusts the oxidation-reduction potential of a liquid when dosed and mixed into said liquid. In some embodiments, the redox agent comprises a gas. In some embodiments, the redox agent comprises a liquid. In some embodiments, the redox agent comprises a solid. In some embodiments, the redox agent comprises a solution. In some embodiments, the redox agent comprises an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the redox agent comprises a nonaqueous solution.

[0163] In some embodiments, the chemical additive comprises an oxidant. An oxidant is a chemical agent that adjusts the oxidation-reduction potential of a liquid to a higher value, leading to a chemical environment that is more oxidizing. For example, an oxidant such asWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 sodium hypochlorite adjusts the oxidation-reduction potential of water from a value of about 350 mV to a value of about 600 mV, when dosed at about 600 mg / L. The resulting oxidizing chemical environment may cause species in contact in said environments to undergo oxidation reactions. Such oxidation reactions involve the loss of electrons of those species, resulting in them acquiring a higher oxidation state or valence state. In some embodiments, the resulting oxidizing environments prevent species in contact with said environment from undergoing reduction reactions. In some embodiments, said oxidant comprises one of more of oxygen, air, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, nitric acid, a nitrate compound, sodium hypochlorite, bleach, a chlorite, a chlorate, a perchlorate, potassium permanganate, a permanganate, sodium perborate, a perborate, mixtures thereof or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, said oxidant comprises one of more of oxygen, air, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, nitric acid, a nitrate compound, sodium hypochlorite, bleach, potassium permanganate, a permanganate (e.g., a permanganate compound, a permanganate salt, a solution comprising permanganate), sodium perborate, a perborate (e.g., a perborate compound , a perborate salt, a solution comprising perborate), hypochlorous acid, lithium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, potassium hypochlorite, magnesium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, strontium hypochlorite, a persulfate (e.g., a persulfate compound, , a persulfate salt, a solution comprising persulfate), hexavalent chromium compounds (e.g., a compound comprising chromium in a 6+ oxidation state, a solution comprising chromium in a 6+ oxidation state), nitrous oxide, sodium bismuthate, potassium peroxymonosulfate, sulfuric acid, peroxydisulfuric acid, peroxymonosulfuric acid, combinations thereof, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the chemical additive does not comprise air. In some embodiments, the chemical additive is not air.

[0164] In some embodiments, oxidants comprising bromine include bromine, hypobromite, hypobromous acid, bromite, bromate, tribromide, and perbromate, including salts thereof with countercations comprising lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, or strontium, and including solutions thereof. In some embodiments, oxidants comprising fluorine include fluorine, hypofluorous acid, hypofluorite, fluorite, fluorate, and perfluorate, including salts thereof with countercations comprising lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, or strontium, and including solutions thereof. In some embodiments, oxidants comprising iodine include iodine, hypoiodous acid, hypoiodite, iodiite, iodate, periodate, and triiodine, including salts thereof with countercations comprising lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, or strontium, and including solutions thereof. In some embodiments, oxidants comprising chlorine include chlorine, hypochlorite, chlorite, chlorate, and perchlorate, including saltsWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 thereof with countercations comprising lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, or strontium, and including solutions thereof.

[0165] In some embodiments, the chemical additive does not include air, ozone, or hydrogen sulfide scavengers.

[0166] In some embodiments, the chemical additive comprises a reductant. A reductant is a chemical agent that adjusts the oxidation-reduction potential of a liquid to a lower value, leading to a chemical environment that is more reducing. For example, a reductant such as hydrogen adjusts the oxidation-reduction potential of water from a value of about 350 mV to a value of about 0 mV, when bubbled through water. The resulting reducing chemical environment may cause species in contact in said environments to undergo reduction reactions. Such reduction reactions involve the gain of electrons of those species, resulting in them acquiring a lower oxidation state or valence state. In some embodiments, the resulting reducing environments prevent species in contact with said environment from undergoing oxidation reactions. In some embodiments, said reductant comprises one of more of sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, sodium borohydride, formic acid, ascorbic acid, oxalic acid, potassium iodide, hydrogen, other reducing species, mixtures thereof, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one or more of the chemical additives are contacted with the ion exchange material as a pure gas, as a pure liquid, a mixture thereof, or a solution thereof.

[0167] In some embodiments, a chemical additive is added (e.g., to the liquid resource, the washing solution, the acid solution, the ion exchange material, the raffinate, the lithium eluate) at a temperature (or within a temperature range) that is pre-determined, wherein the temperature (or temperature range) is the temperature (or temperature range) of the liquid or material to which the chemical additive is being added. In some embodiments, a chemical additive is added (e.g., to the liquid resource, the washing solution, the acid solution, the ion exchange material, the raffinate, the lithium eluate) at a temperature in the range of about -20 degrees Celsius to about 200 degrees Celsius, wherein the temperature is the temperature of the liquid or material to which the chemical additive is being added.

[0168] In some embodiments, the chemical additive is dosed into the liquid resource, wash solution, or acidic eluent at a specific concentration chosen to optimize the performance of the system. In some embodiments, the chemical additive is dosed into the liquid resource, wash solution, or acidic eluent at a specific concentration chosen to optimize the performance of the method. In some embodiments, the concentration of the chemical additive in said liquid resource, wash solution, or acidic eluent is greater than about 0.1 milligrams per liter and less than about 10,000 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greaterWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 than about 1 milligram per liter and less than about 50 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 50 milligrams per liter and less than about 100 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 100 milligrams per liter and less than about 200 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 200 milligrams per liter and less than about 300 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 300 milligrams per liter and less than about 400 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 400.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 500.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 500.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 600.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 600.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 700.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 700.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 800.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 800.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 1200.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 1000.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 4000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 4000.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 10,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 9000.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 100,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, the concentration of the chemical additive in said liquid resource, wash solution, or acidic eluent is at least about 0.1 milligrams per liter and at most about 10,000 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 1 milligram per liter and at most about 50 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 50 milligrams per liter and at most about 100 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 100 milligrams per liter and at most about 200 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 200 milligrams per liter and at most about 300 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 300 milligrams per liter and at most about 400 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 400.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 500.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 500.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 600.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 600.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 700.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 700.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 800.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 800.0WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 milligrams per liter and at most about 1200.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 1000.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 4000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 4000.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 10,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 9000.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 100,000.0 milligrams per liter.

[0169] In some embodiments, ozone is dosed into the liquid resource at a specific concentration chosen to optimize the performance of the system.

[0170] In some embodiments, sodium hypochlorite is dosed into the liquid resource at a specific concentration chosen to optimize the performance of the system. In some embodiments, sodium hypochlorite is dosed into the liquid resource at a specific concentration chosen to optimize the performance of the method. In some embodiments, the concentration of the sodium hypochlorite in said liquid resource is greater than about 0.1 milligrams per liter and less than about 1,000 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 1 milligram per liter and less than about 50 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 50 milligrams per liter and less than about 100 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 100 milligrams per liter and less than about 200 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 200 milligrams per liter and less than about 300 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 300 milligrams per liter and less than about 400 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 400.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 500.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 500.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 600.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 600.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 700.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 700.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 800.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 800.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 1,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 1000.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 3,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 21000.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 5,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 4000.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 10,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 9000.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 50,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater thanWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 about 40,000.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 100,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, the concentration of the sodium hypochlorite in said liquid resource is at least about 0.1 milligrams per liter and at most about 1,000 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 1 milligram per liter and at most about 50 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 50 milligrams per liter and at most about 100 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 100 milligrams per liter and at most about 200 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 200 milligrams per liter and at most about 300 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 300 milligrams per liter and at most about 400 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 400.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 500.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 500.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 600.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 600.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 700.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 700.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 800.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 800.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 1,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 1000.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 3,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 21000.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 5,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 4000.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 10,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 9000.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 50,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 40,000.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 100,000.0 milligrams per liter.

[0171] In some embodiments, hydrogen peroxide is dosed into the liquid resource at a specific concentration chosen to optimize the performance of the system. In some embodiments, hydrogen peroxide is dosed into the liquid resource at a specific concentration chosen to optimize the performance of the method. In some embodiments, the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide in said liquid resource is greater than about 0.1 milligrams per liter and less than about 1,000 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 1 milligram per liter and less than about 50 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 50 milligrams per liter and less than about 100 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 100 milligrams per liter and less than about 200 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments,WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 said concentration is greater than about 200 milligrams per liter and less than about 300 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 300 milligrams per liter and less than about 400 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 400.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 500.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 500.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 600.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 600.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 700.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 700.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 800.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 800.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 1,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 1000.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 3,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 21000.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 5,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 4000.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 10,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 9000.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 50,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is greater than about 40,000.0 milligrams per liter and less than about 100,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide in said liquid resource is at least about 0.1 milligrams per liter and at most about 1,000 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 1 milligram per liter and at most about 50 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 50 milligrams per liter and at most about 100 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 100 milligrams per liter and at most about 200 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 200 milligrams per liter and at most about 300 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 300 milligrams per liter and at most about 400 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 400.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 500.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 500.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 600.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 600.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 700.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 700.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 800.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 800.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 1,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, saidWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 concentration is at least about 1000.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 3,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 21000.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 5,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 4000.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 10,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 9000.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 50,000.0 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, said concentration is at least about 40,000.0 milligrams per liter and at most about 100,000.0 milligrams per liter.

[0172] In some embodiments, ozone is dosed into the wash solution at a specific concentration chosen to optimize the performance of the system. In some embodiments, ozone is dosed into the wash solution at a specific concentration chosen to optimize the performance of the method. In some embodiments, the concentration of the ozone in said wash solution is greater than about 0.1 milligrams per liter and less than about 10,000 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, the concentration of the ozone in said wash solution is at least about 0.1 milligrams per liter and at most about 10,000 milligrams per liter.

[0173] In some embodiments, sodium hypochlorite is dosed into the wash solution at a specific concentration chosen to optimize the performance of the system. In some embodiments, sodium hypochlorite is dosed into the wash solution at a specific concentration chosen to optimize the performance of the method. In some embodiments, the concentration of the sodium hypochlorite in said wash solution is greater than about 0.1 milligrams per liter and less than about 10,000 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, the concentration of the sodium hypochlorite in said wash solution is at least about 0.1 milligrams per liter and at most about 10,000 milligrams per liter.

[0174] In some embodiments, hydrogen peroxide is dosed into the wash solution at a specific concentration chosen to optimize the performance of the system. In some embodiments, hydrogen peroxide is dosed into the wash solution at a specific concentration chosen to optimize the performance of the method. In some embodiments, the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide in said wash solution is greater than about 0.1 milligrams per liter and less than about 10,000 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide in said wash solution is at least about 0.1 milligrams per liter and at most about 10,000 milligrams per liter.

[0175] In some embodiments, sodium metabisulfite is dosed into the wash solution at a specific concentration chosen to optimize the performance of the system. In some embodiments, sodium metabisulfite is dosed into the wash solution at a specific concentration chosen to optimize the performance of the method. In some embodiments, the concentration ofWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 the sodium metabisulfite in said wash solution is greater than about 0.1 milligrams per liter and less than about 10,000 milligrams per liter. In some embodiments, the concentration of the sodium metabisulfite in said wash solution is at least about 0.1 milligrams per liter and at most about 10,000 milligrams per liter.

[0176] In some embodiments, the value of oxidation-reduction potential of the liquid resource is greater than about 50.0 mV and less than about 800.0 mV. In some embodiments, the value of oxidation-reduction potential of the liquid resource is at least about 50.0 mV and at most about 800.0 mV. In some embodiments, treatment of the liquid resource with a chemical additive adjusts the oxidation-reduction potential of the liquid resource.

[0177] In some embodiments, the value of oxidation-reduction potential of the wash solution is greater than about 50.0 mV and less than about 800.0 mV. In some embodiments, the value of oxidation-reduction potential of the wash solution is at least about 50.0 mV and at most about 800.0 mV. In some embodiments, treatment of the wash solution with a chemical additive adjusts the oxidation-reduction potential of the wash water solution.

[0178] In some embodiments, treatment of the acidic solution with a chemical additive adjusts the oxidation-reduction potential of the acidic solution. In some embodiments, the value of oxidation-reduction potential of the acidic solution is greater than about 50.0 mV and less than about 800.0 mV. In some embodiments, the value of oxidation-reduction potential of the acidic solution is at least about 50.0 mV and at most about 800.0 mV.

[0179] In some embodiments, treatment of the ion exchange material with a chemical additive adjusts the oxidation-reduction potential of the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, the value of oxidation-reduction potential of the ion exchange material is greater than about 50.0 mV and less than about 800.0 mV. In some embodiments, the value of oxidation-reduction potential of the ion exchange material is at least about 50.0 mV and at most about 800.0 mV. Effect of Chemical Additives

[0180] In some embodiments, contacting a chemical additive with the ion exchange material results in a change in the oxidation state of one or more cations within said ion exchange material. In some embodiments, said change in the oxidation state of one or more cations within said ion exchange material has an absolute value of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7. In some embodiments, said change in the oxidation state of one or more cations within said ion exchange material has an absolute value of 1 or 2. In some embodiments, said change in the oxidation state of one or more cations within said ion exchange material has an absolute valueWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 of 1. In some embodiments, said change in the oxidation state of one or more cations within said ion exchange material has an absolute value of 2. In some embodiments, contact of a chemical additive with the ion exchange material results in an increase in the oxidation state of one or more cations within said ion exchange material. In some embodiments, contact of a chemical additive with the ion exchange material results in a change in the oxidation state of one or more cations within said ion exchange material from 1 to 2, from 2 to 3, from 2 to 4, from 3 to 4, from 4 to 5, from 5 to 6, and / or from 6 to 7. In some embodiments, contact of a chemical additive with the ion exchange material results in a decrease in the oxidation state of one or more cations within said ion exchange material. In some embodiments, contact of a chemical additive with the ion exchange material results in a change in the oxidation state of one or more cations within said ion exchange material from 7 to 6, from 6 to 5, from 5 to 4, from 4 to 3, from 4 to 2, from 3 to 2, and / or from 2 to 1. In some embodiments, the oxidation state of one or more cations within the ion exchange material prior to contacting a chemical additive is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7. In some embodiments, the oxidation state of one or more cations within the ion exchange material prior to contacting a chemical additive is 2 or 3. In some embodiments, the oxidation state of one or more cations within the ion exchange material prior to contacting a chemical additive is 1. In some embodiments, the oxidation state of one or more cations within the ion exchange material after contacting a chemical additive is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7. In some embodiments, the oxidation state of one or more cations within the ion exchange material after contacting a chemical additive is 3 or 4. In some embodiments, the oxidation state of one or more cations within the ion exchange material after contacting a chemical additive is 1. In some embodiments, the one or more cations within the ion exchange material comprises manganese. In some embodiments, the one or more cations within the ion exchange material comprises titanium. In some embodiments, the one or more cations within the ion exchange material comprises lithium. In some embodiments, the one or more cations within the ion exchange material comprises hydrogen.

[0181] In some embodiments, contacting a chemical additive with the ion exchange material results in a change (e.g., an increase, a decrease) in the average oxidation state of the cations within said ion exchange material (e.g., the number average oxidation state of all cations within the ion exchange material or an aliquot or a particle thereof).

[0182] In some embodiments, contacting a chemical additive with the ion exchange material results in a change in the average oxidation state of the cations within said ion exchange material, wherein the absolute value of said change in the average oxidation state is in the range of about 0.1 to about 1.0. In some embodiments, the change is a decrease. In someWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 embodiments, the change is an increase. In some embodiments, said change in the average oxidation state of the cations within said ion exchange material has an absolute value of about 0.1, about 0.2, about 0.3, about 0.4, about 0.5, about 0.6, about 0.7, about 0.8, about 0.9, or about 1.0.

[0183] In some embodiments, the average oxidation state of the cations within the ion exchange material prior to contacting a chemical additive is about 1.0, about 1.1, about 1.2, about 1.3, about 1.4, about 1.5, about 1.6, about 1.7, about 1.8, about 1.9, about 2.0, about 2.1, about 2.2, about 2.3, about 2.4, about 2.5, about 2.6, about 2.7, about 2.8, about 2.9, about 3.0, about 3.1, about 3.2, about 3.3, about 3.4, about 3.5, about 3.6, about 3.7, about 3.8, about 3.9, about 4.0, about 4.1, about 4.2, about 4.3, about 4.4, about 4.5, about 4.6, about 4.7, about 4.8, about 4.9, about 5.0, about 5.1, about 5.2, about 5.3, about 5.4, about 5.5, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, about 5.9, about 6.0, about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, about 6.5, about 6.6, about 6.7, about 6.8, about 6.9, or about 7.0. In some embodiments, the average oxidation state of the cations within the ion exchange material prior to contacting a chemical additive is about 1.4, about 1.5, about 1.6, about 1.7, about 1.8, about 1.9, about 2.0, about 2.1, about 2.2, about 2.3, about 2.4, about 2.5, or about 2.6.

[0184] In some embodiments, the average oxidation state of the cations within the ion exchange material after contacting a chemical additive is about 1.0, about 1.1, about 1.2, about 1.3, about 1.4, about 1.5, about 1.6, about 1.7, about 1.8, about 1.9, about 2.0, about 2.1, about 2.2, about 2.3, about 2.4, about 2.5, about 2.6, about 2.7, about 2.8, about 2.9, about 3.0, about 3.1, about 3.2, about 3.3, about 3.4, about 3.5, about 3.6, about 3.7, about 3.8, about 3.9, about 4.0, about 4.1, about 4.2, about 4.3, about 4.4, about 4.5, about 4.6, about 4.7, about 4.8, about 4.9, about 5.0, about 5.1, about 5.2, about 5.3, about 5.4, about 5.5, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, about 5.9, about 6.0, about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, about 6.5, about 6.6, about 6.7, about 6.8, about 6.9, or about 7.0. In some embodiments, the average oxidation state of the cations within the ion exchange material after contacting a chemical additive is about 1.6, about 1.7, about 1.8, about 1.9, about 2.0, about 2.1, about 2.2, about 2.3, about 2.4, about 2.5, about 2.6, or about 2.7.

[0185] In some embodiments, treatment of the liquid resource, wash water, or acidic eluent solution with a chemical additive results in the destruction of a soluble chemical species. In some embodiments, the treated liquid resource, wash water, or acidic eluent solution has a different pH than before treatment. In some embodiments, the pH of said treated liquid resource, wash water, or acidic eluent solution is adjusted prior to contact with the ion exchange material. In some embodiments, the treated liquid resource, wash water, or acidicWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 eluent solution has a different oxidation-reduction potential than before treatment. In some embodiments, the oxidation-reduction potential of said treated liquid resource, wash water, or acidic eluent solution is adjusted prior to contact with the ion exchange material. Vessels for beds of ion exchange beads

[0186] For commercial production of lithium using ion exchange, it is desirable to construct large-scale ion exchange modules containing large quantities of ion exchange beads. However, most large vessels capable of holding about one tonne or more of ion exchange beads have large fluid flow distances of about one meter or more. These fluid flow distances cause large pressure drops. To reduce the pressure drop across the ion exchange bed, the ion exchange beads are loaded into vessels facilitating flow across the ion exchange beads with a shorter fluid flow distance. These vessels are designed to evenly distribute flow of the liquid resource and other fluids through the ion exchange beads. In some embodiments, these vessels minimize the distance that the fluid flows as it contacts the ion exchange beads. In some embodiments, the vessels contain fluidized beds of ion exchange beads. In some embodiments, the vessels contain fixed beds of ion exchange beads.

[0187] In some embodiments, the vessel is oriented vertically, horizontally, or at any angle relative to the horizontal axis. In some embodiments, the vessel is cylindrical, rectangular, spherical, another shape, or a combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the vessel can have a constant cross-sectional area or a varying cross-sectional area.

[0188] In some embodiments, the vessel has a height to diameter ratio of less than about 0.1, 0.5, less than about 1, less than about 2, less than about 5, less than about 10, more than about 0.1, more than about 0.5, more than about 1, more than about 2, more than about 5, more than about 10. In some embodiments, the vessel has a height to diameter ratio of at most about 0.1, at most about 0.5, at most about 1, at most about 2, at most about 5, at most about 10, more than about 0.1, more than about 0.5, more than about 1, more than about 2, more than about 5, more than about 10. In one embodiment, the vessel internal is coated with a polymeric or rubber material. In one embodiment the vessel is equipped with an outlet collector tray. In one embodiment the vessel has multiple injection ports for the inlet or outlet flow. In one embodiment the flow is introduced from the bottom, top, middle of the vessel, or a combination of thereof. In one embodiment the vessel is outfitted with baffles or plates to break fluid jets.

[0189] In some embodiments, the vessel or vessels are constructed to facilitate the formation of an eluent solution comprising a dissolved gas. In some embodiments, the vesselWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 or vessels are constructed to facilitate the formation of an eluent solution comprising an acid. In some embodiments, said acid comprises a gas dissolved in water. In some embodiments, said acid comprises carbon dioxide dissolved in water. In some embodiments, the vessel is constructed to maintain an operating pressure that results in a high concentration of said gas in water, resulting in optimal acidity for elution of lithium. In some embodiments, the pressure of operation of said vessel is at least 5 psi, 10 psi, 50 psi, 100 psi, 500 psi, 1000 psi or 5000 psi. Ion exchange beads contained within vessels with minimal flow distance

[0190] In some embodiments, these vessels containing the ion exchange beads are designed to minimize the distance that the fluid flows as it contacts the ion exchange beads. In some embodiments, said design minimizes the energy required to contact a fluid with the ion exchange beads. In some embodiments, said fluid is a liquid resource, a washing solution, a solution containing a chemical additive, or an acidic eluent solution.

[0191] In some embodiments, the ion exchange beads contained within such a vessel have an average particle diameter less than about 10 µm, less than about 20 µm, less than about 30 µm, less than about 40 µm, less than about 50 µm, less than about 60 µm, less than about 70 µm, less than about 80 µm, less than about 90 µm, less than about 100 µm, less than about 200 µm, less than about 300 µm, less than about 400 µm, less than about 500 µm, less than about 600 µm, less than about 700 µm, less than about 800 µm, less than about 900 µm, less than about 1000 µm, less than about 2000 µm. In some embodiments, the ion exchange beads contained within such a vessel have an average particle diameter at most about 10 µm, at most about 20 µm, at most about 30 µm, at most about 40 µm, at most about 50 µm, at most about 60 µm, at most about 70 µm, at most about 80 µm, at most about 90 µm, at most about 100 µm, at most about 200 µm, at most about 300 µm, at most about 400 µm, at most about 500 µm, at most about 600 µm, at most about 700 µm, at most about 800 µm, at most about 900 µm, at most about 1000 µm, at most about 2000 µm. In some embodiments, the ion exchange beads have an average particle diameter more than about 10 µm, more than about 20 µm, more than about 30 µm, more than about 40 µm, more than about 50 µm, more than about 60 µm, more than about 70 µm, more than about 80 µm, more than about 90 µm, more than about 100 µm, more than about 200 µm, more than about 300 µm, more than about 400 µm, more than about 500 µm, more than about 600 µm, more than about 700 µm, more than about 800 µm, more than about 900 µm, more than about 1000 µm, more than about 2000 µm. In some embodiments, the ion exchange beads have a typical particle size from about 10 µm to about 20 µm, from about 20 µm to about 40 µm, from about 40 µm to about 80 µm, from about 80WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 µm to about 200 µm, from about 100 µm to about 400 µm, from about 200 µm to about 800 µm, from about 400 µm to about 1000 µm, from about 600 µm to about 2000 µm, from about 1000 µm to about 2000 µm. Embodiments comprising devices comprising one or more filter banks containing a lithium-selective sorbent

[0192] An aspect of the disclosure herein is a device for lithium extraction from a liquid resource. Non-limiting examples of such lithium extraction devices are included in Example 4 and accompanying Figure 4. In some embodiments, said device comprises one or more filter banks containing a lithium-selective sorbent. An example of a filter bank is shown in Figure 4, while the multiple filter banks within a lithium extraction device are shown in Figure 4C. In some embodiments, said sorbent is an ion-exchange material. In some embodiments, each filter bank comprises a compartment containing a lithium-selective sorbent, wherein said compartment is contained within porous partitions. In some embodiments, said compartment contains a bed or cake of said sorbent. In some embodiments, said filter bank contains pipes, shapes, and flow paths that connect said sorbent-containing compartment to a fluid distribution manifold that the delivers flow to and form said sorbent. In some embodiments, two porous partitions are located at opposing ends of the compartment containing a lithium-selective sorbent, such that fluid can flow from one partition, through the sorbent, and out of the second partition. In some embodiments, more than two such partitions are located within a filter bank. In some embodiments, said porous partition is a mesh, cloth, other woven material, a screen, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, said porous partition is attached a mechanical device, plate, flow distributor, or scaffolding.

[0193] In some embodiments, the porous partition is adjacent to a flow distribution compartment or surface, which distributes flow from inlet orifices to the entire surface of said porous partition. As used herein, the term “flow distribution surface” and “flow distribution compartment” refer to components of lithium extraction devices that ensure well-distributed and uniform flow to and from components in said device. In some embodiments, said flow distribution surface ensures that fluid entering the filter bank through said orifices is distributed to the entire flow distribution surface, such that it can travel through said porous partition and evenly flow into and across the sorbent. In some embodiments, the flow distribution surface comprises surface textured features, such that a void is created between a non-porous surface and the porous partition. An example of such a void is shown in Figure 4 and insert Figure 4C, where the surface is denoted 4013 and the porous partition 4014. In some embodiments, thisWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 void creates a resistance-free space for fluid to flow from the orifices that deliver flow to the filter bank to the porous partition.

[0194] In some embodiments, the shape of said flow distribution surface conforms to the shape of the filter bank. In some embodiments, the shape of said flow distribution surface conforms to the shape of the porous partition. In some embodiments, the shape of said flow distribution surface conforms to the shape of the sorbent cake or bed.

[0195] In some embodiments, the compartment containing the lithium selective sorbent or ion-exchange beads is treated with a fluid. In some embodiments, the compartment containing the lithium selective sorbent or ion-exchange beads is treated with water or other solutions for the purposes of adjusting the concentration, composition, pH, or contaminant level of the fluid flowing through the vessel. In some embodiments, the compartment containing the lithium selective sorbent or ion-exchange beads is treated with a lithium-containing liquid resource to absorb lithium. In some embodiments, the compartment containing the lithium selective sorbent or ion-exchange beads is treated with an acidic solution to release absorbed lithium. In some embodiments, the compartment containing the lithium selective sorbent or ion-exchange beads is treated with multiple fluids. In some embodiments, in order to contact the lithium- selective sorbent with said fluid, fluid is directed from the inlet of the lithium extraction device to the one or more filter banks in said device. In some embodiments, said direction of flow is achieved by means of optional inlet-and outlet- flows to and from said compartment within a filter bank. In some embodiments, such inlet- and outlet flows are located at the top, bottom, center, off-center, or side of said compartments. In some embodiments, such inlet- and outlet flows are located at the top, bottom, center, off-center, or side of said filter bank. In some embodiments, the inlet- and outlet flows to and from said compartment are injected and removed from the internal space of said compartments by means of piping, tubing, orifices, or other internal components that protrude into said compartment.

[0196] In some embodiments, one or more pipes are in fluid contact with each filter bank, with each of said pipes delivering or removing fluid flows to and from said filter bank. In some embodiments, one such pipe is present in the filter bank. In some embodiments, two such pipes are present in the filter bank. In some embodiments, three such pipes are present in the filter bank. In some embodiments, four such pipes are present in the filter bank. In some embodiments, five such pipes are present in the filter bank. In a preferred embodiment, four such fluid deliver pipes are located at the four corners of a filter bank. In some embodiments, more than five such pipes are present in the filter bank.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0197] In some embodiments, pipes, orifices, and flow distribution surfaces are configured to direct a flow of a liquid resource through the one or more filter banks and out of said one or more filter banks, wherein the sorbent material contained in said filter bank selectively absorbs lithium. In some embodiments, pipes, orifices, and flow distribution surfaces are configured to uniformly distribute the flow of liquid through the sorbent material contained in the filter bank. In some embodiments, said flow uniformity implies that each volume of sorbent material within the filter bank is contacted with the same volume of liquid resource within a given time period. In some embodiments, uniform distribution of flow through the sorbent material results in a higher lithium absorption capacity of the sorbent, a higher selectivity for lithium absorption by the sorbent over other ions present in the liquid resource, a minimized distance required to flow the liquid through the one or more filter banks, a reduced change in pressure when flowing liquid across the one or more filter banks, a longer life time of the sorbent, a longer life time of the ion-exchange material, or a combination thereof.

[0198] In some embodiments, the devices, vessels, system, and methods described herein utilize a flow distribution compartment to optimize the flow of various solutions or gases through the devices, vessels, pipes, filter banks, and lithium-selective sorbents materials. In some embodiments, the inlet- and outlet flows to and from the flow distribution compartments are injected and remove from the internal space of said compartments by means of piping, tubing, or other internal components that protrude into said compartment. In some embodiments, the inlet- and outlet flows to and from the flow distribution compartments are injected and remove from the internal space of said compartments by means of piping, tubing, or other internal components that protrude into said compartment In some embodiments, the flow distribution compartment are optionally treated with a lithium containing resource, hydrogen ion-containing acid, water, or other solutions for the purposes of adjusting the concentration, composition, pH, or contaminant level of the fluid flowing through the vessel. This is achieved by means of an optional inlet-and outlet- flows to and from the flow distribution compartment.

[0199] In some embodiments, there is a partition between the flow distribution surface and the compartment containing the lithium sorbent. In some embodiments, said partition comprises a filter, a solid-liquid separation device, or other solid-retaining material. In some embodiments, a partition is in contact with the lithium selective sorbent. In some embodiments, said partition is a permeable partition. In some embodiments, said permeable partition is a porous partition. In some embodiments, said permeable partition is a slitted partition that provides support for the ion-exchange bead bed, chemical protection, aidsWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 filtration, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, said permeable partition is a porous partition that provides structural support for the bed of lithium-selective sorbent, chemical protection, aids filtration, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the partition between the flow distribution compartment and the compartment containing the ion-exchange beads consists of a porous partition that provides structural support for the ion-exchange bead bed, chemical protection, aids filtration, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the porous partition is a porous polymer partition. In some embodiments, the porous partition is a mesh or polymer membrane. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises one or more meshes of similar or different composition, of similar or different aperture sizes, of similar or different percent open area. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises one or more meshes to provide structural support and / or filtration capabilities. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises a v-wire screen, a sintered metal screen, a sintered polymer screen, a flat screen, a cylindrical screen, a screen comprised of wire with cylindrical cross section, a screen comprised of wire with square cross section, a screen comprised of wire with rectangular cross section, a screen comprised of wire with rhomboidal cross section, a screen comprised of wire with triangular cross section, a screen comprised of wire with irregular cross section, a slotted wire screen, a mesh, or a combination thereof, wherein said porous partition is coarse, fine, or a combination thereof.

[0200] In some embodiments, the porous partition, fluid conduits, fluid orifices, and flow distribution surfaces, are assembled to form a filter bank. An example of such a filter bank is shown in Figure 4. In some embodiments, said filter banks comprise a one or more filter plates. In some embodiments, said filer banks are assembled from two opposing filter plates. As an exemplary embodiment of such an assembly, Figure 4C shows how two filter plates 40204 come together to form a filter bank 415, said filter bank containing a lithium selective sorbent within compartment 405 in said filter bank.

[0201] In some embodiments, the bed of ion exchange material is contained within said filter bank. In some embodiments, the bed of lithium selective sorbent is contained within said filter bank. In some embodiments, said bed of ion exchange material has a characteristic “thickness”, wherein “thickness” is defined as the average dimension of the said solid mass, measured in a direction that is parallel to the direction of fluid flow through the filter bank.

[0202] In some embodiments, the typical thickness of the bed of lithium selective sorbent is less than about 1 cm, less than about 2 cm, less than about 4 cm, less than about 6 cm, less than about 8 cm, less than about 10 cm, less than about 20 cm, less than about 40 cm, less than about 60 cm, less than about 80 cm, less than about 1 m, less than about 2 m, less than about 4WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 m. In some embodiments, the typical thickness of the bed of lithium selective sorbent is more than about 1 cm, less than about 2 cm, less than about 4 cm, less than about 6 cm, less than about 8 cm, less than about 10 cm, less than about 20 cm, less than about 40 cm, less than about 60 cm, less than about 80 cm, less than about 1 m, less than about 2 m, less than about 4 m. In some embodiments, the typical thickness of the bed of lithium selective sorbent is at most about 1 cm, at most about 2 cm, at most about 4 cm, at most about 6 cm, at most about 8 cm, at most about 10 cm, at most about 20 cm, at most about 40 cm, at most about 60 cm, at most about 80 cm, at most about 1 m, at most about 2 m, at most about 4 m. In some embodiments, the typical thickness of the bed of lithium selective sorbent is more than about 1 cm, at most about 2 cm, at most about 4 cm, at most about 6 cm, at most about 8 cm, at most about 10 cm, at most about 20 cm, at most about 40 cm, at most about 60 cm, at most about 80 cm, at most about 1 m, at most about 2 m, at most about 4 m. In some embodiments, the typical thickness of the bed of lithium selective sorbent is from about 1 cm to about 2 cm, from about 2 cm to about 4 cm, from about 4 cm to about 8 cm, from about 8 cm to about 20 cm, from about 20 cm to about 40 cm, from about 40 cm to about 80 cm, from about 80 cm to about 120 cm, from about 120 cm to about 2 m, from about 2 m to about 4 m. In a preferred embodiment, the typical thickness of the bed of lithium selective sorbent is selected from 18 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, or 60 mm.

[0203] In some embodiments, the bed of ion exchange material is contained within said filter bank. In some embodiments, the bed of lithium selective sorbent is contained within said filter bank. In some embodiments, said bed of ion exchange material has a characteristic “cross sectional length” of said bed, defined as the average dimension of the said solid mass, measured in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow through the filter bank. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional length of said bed is less than about 1 cm, less than about 2 cm, less than about 4 cm, less than about 6 cm, less than about 8 cm, less than about 10 cm, less than about 20 cm, less than about 40 cm, less than about 60 cm, less than about 80 cm, less than about 1 m, less than about 2 m, less than about 4 m. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional length of said bed is more than about 1 cm, less than about 2 cm, less than about 4 cm, less than about 6 cm, less than about 8 cm, less than about 10 cm, less than about 20 cm, less than about 40 cm, less than about 60 cm, less than about 80 cm, less than about 1 m, less than about 2 m, less than about 4 m. In some embodiments, the cross- sectional length of said bed is at most about 1 cm, at most about 2 cm, at most about 4 cm, at most about 6 cm, at most about 8 cm, at most about 10 cm, at most about 20 cm, at most about 40 cm, at most about 60 cm, at most about 80 cm, at most about 1 m, at most about 2 m, atWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 most about 4 m. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional length of said bed is more than about 1 cm, at most about 2 cm, at most about 4 cm, at most about 6 cm, at most about 8 cm, at most about 10 cm, at most about 20 cm, at most about 40 cm, at most about 60 cm, at most about 80 cm, at most about 1 m, at most about 2 m, at most about 4 m. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional length of said bed is from about 1 cm to about 2 cm, from about 2 cm to about 4 cm, from about 4 cm to about 8 cm, from about 8 cm to about 20 cm, from about 20 cm to about 40 cm, from about 40 cm to about 80 cm, from about 80 cm to about 120 cm, from about 120 cm to about 2 m, from about 2 m to about 4 m, from about 4 m to about 8 m. In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional length is selected from: about 250 mm, 320 mm, 470 mm, 630 mm, 800 mm, 1000 mm, 1200 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm, 4000 mm. In some embodiments, the bed of sorbent material is not square, and comprises a cross-sectional length that is selected from two of the following dimensions: about 250 mm, 320 mm, 470 mm, 630 mm, 800 mm, 1000 mm, 1200 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm, 4000 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional length of the bed of lithium-selective sorbent is 2000 mm x 4000 mm, 1500 mm x 2000 mm, 2500 mm by 5000 mm, or a combination thereof.

[0204] In some embodiments, the device containing ion-exchange beads is comprised of multiple and separate ion-exchange compartments arranged within a single vessel. In some embodiments, the lithium extraction devices comprises multiple individual filter banks – each containing an individual lithium-selective sorbent compartment – where lithium is absorbed by said lithium selective sorbent. In some embodiments, said compartments comprise individual filter banks. In one embodiment, there is only one ion-exchange compartment in the lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, there is more than one ion-exchange compartments lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, there are less than about two, less than about three, less than about five, less than about ten, less than about twenty, less than about thirty, less than about fifty, less than about one-hundred, less than about two-hundred individual compartments within a single lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, there are at most about two, at most about three, at most about five, at most about ten, at most about twenty, at most about thirty, at most about fifty, at most about one-hundred, at most about two- hundred individual compartments within a single lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, there are more than about two, more than about three, more than about five, more than about ten, more than about twenty, more than about thirty, more than about fifty, more than about one-hundred, more than about two-hundred individual compartments within a single lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, a single lithium extraction device comprises about two, about three, about five, about ten, about twenty, about thirty, about fifty,WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 about one-hundred, about one hundred and fifty, or about two-hundred individual lithium extraction compartments.

[0205] In some embodiments, the multiple filter banks are held together by a device that applies a mechanical force that presses the individual filter banks together. In some embodiments, said device comprises a hydraulic system, comprising one more pistons and one or more devices to apply a hydraulic force on said piston. In some embodiments, the mechanical force is applied to one structurally reinforced component that is in contact with the first plate in the stack of filter banks, and the compressive force is distributed across all filter plates in the device. In some embodiments, said force is applied by means of a pressurized hydraulic fluid system, pressurized air system, mechanical tensions system, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to compress all filter bank together is less than 50 psi, less than 150 psi, less than 500 psi, less than 1000 psi, less than 2500 psi, or less than 5000 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to compress all filter bank together is at most 50 psi, at most 150 psi, at most 500 psi, at most 1000 psi, at most 2500 psi, or at most 5000 psi. In some embodiments the pressure applied is more than 50 psi, more than 150 psi, more than 500 psi, more than 1000 psi, more than 2500 psi, or more than 5000 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure applied is from 50 psi to 150 psi, from 150 psi to 500 psi, from 500 psi to 1000 psi, from 1000 psi to 2500 psi, from 2500 psi to 5000 psi.

[0206] In devices comprising multiple beds of lithium-selective sorbent, all beds are connected to a shared flow distribution manifold, such that flow of liquid to and from said beds of lithium-selective sorbent occur in parallel. In some embodiments, a multitude of ion- exchange beds share the same inlet and outlet flows in parallel, wherein a different multitude of ion-exchange beds share a different set of inlet and outlet flows. Embodiments comprising a filter press

[0207] An aspect of the disclosure herein is a device for lithium extraction from a liquid resource, wherein said device comprises one or more filter banks containing a lithium-selective sorbent. In some embodiments, said lithium extraction comprises a filter press. A filter press is a filtration device known in the field of filtration and solids-liquid separation. An aspect of the disclosure herein is the use of a filter press to extract lithium, wherein said filter press is filled with a lithium-selective sorbent, and said sorbent is contacted with a liquid resource comprising lithium in said filter press. In some embodiments, said sorbent is an ion-exchange material.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0208] In some embodiments, a filter press comprises multiple filter plates, wherein said filter two filter plates come together to form a filter chamber or filter bank. In some embodiments, each filter bank comprises a compartment containing a lithium-selective sorbent, wherein said compartment is contained within porous partitions. In some embodiments, said compartment contains a bed or cake of said sorbent. In some embodiments, said filter bank contains pipes, shapes, and flow paths that connect said sorbent-containing compartment to a fluid distribution manifold that the delivers flow to and form said sorbent. In some embodiments, two porous partitions are located at opposing ends of the compartment containing a lithium-selective sorbent, such that fluid can flow from one partition, through the sorbent, and out of the second partition. In some embodiments, more than two such partitions are located within a filter bank. In some embodiments, said porous partition is a mesh, cloth, other woven material, a screen, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, said porous partition is attached a mechanical device, plate, flow distributor, or scaffolding.

[0209] In some embodiments, the porous partition is a filter cloth. In some embodiments, said partition comprises a filter, a solid-liquid separation device, or other solid-retaining material. In some embodiments, a partition is in contact with the lithium selective sorbent. In some embodiments, said partition is a permeable partition. In some embodiments, said permeable partition is a porous partition. In some embodiments, said permeable partition is a slitted partition that provides support for the ion-exchange bead bed, chemical protection, aids filtration, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, said permeable partition is a porous partition that provides structural support for the bed of lithium-selective sorbent, chemical protection, aids filtration, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the partition between the flow distribution compartment and the compartment containing the ion-exchange beads consists of a porous partition that provides structural support for the ion-exchange bead bed, chemical protection, aids filtration, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the porous partition is a porous polymer partition. In some embodiments, the porous partition is a mesh or polymer membrane. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises one or more meshes of similar or different composition, of similar or different aperture sizes, of similar or different percent open area. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises one or more meshes to provide structural support and / or filtration capabilities. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises a v-wire screen, a sintered metal screen, a sintered polymer screen, a flat screen, a cylindrical screen, a screen comprised of wire with cylindrical cross section, a screen comprised of wire with square cross section, a screen comprised of wire with rectangular cross section, a screen comprised of wire with rhomboidalWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 cross section, a screen comprised of wire with triangular cross section, a screen comprised of wire with irregular cross section, a slotted wire screen, a mesh, or a combination thereof, wherein said porous partition is coarse, fine, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises polyether ether ketone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polysulfone mesh, polyester mesh, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene polymer, stainless steel, stainless steel mesh coated in polymer, stainless steel mesh coated in ceramic, titanium, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises ion exchange particles. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises porous ion exchange particles. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises a mixture of ion exchange particles with other polymers described above. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises multiple layers.

[0210] In some embodiments, the porous partition is a single layer filtration fabric. In some embodiments, the porous partition is a double layer filtration fabric. In some embodiments, the porous partition is a multi-layer filtration fabric. In some embodiments, the porous partition is a spun fabric. In some embodiments, the porous partition is a is a mixture of fabrics. In some embodiments, the porous partition is a woven fabric. In some embodiments, said fabric is manufactured with one or more weave patterns, including but not limited to a plain, twill, satin, oxford, leno or basket-weave.

[0211] In some embodiments, the porous partition consists of openings in that are of a typical characteristic size of less than about 1 µm, less than about 2 µm, less than about 5 µm, less than about 10 µm, less than about 20 µm, less than about 30 µm, less than about 40 µm, less than about 50 µm, less than about 60 µm, less than about 70 µm, less than about 80 µm, less than about 90 µm, less than about 100 µm, less than about 200 µm, less than about 300 µm, less than about 400 µm, less than about 500 µm, less than about 600 µm, less than about 700 µm, less than about 800 µm, less than about 900 µm, less than about 1000 µm, less than about 2000 µm. In some embodiments, the porous partition consists of openings in that are of a typical characteristic size of at most about 1 µm, at most about 2 µm, at most about 5 µm, at most about 10 µm, at most about 20 µm, at most about 30 µm, at most about 40 µm, at most about 50 µm, at most about 60 µm, at most about 70 µm, at most about 80 µm, at most about 90 µm, at most about 100 µm, at most about 200 µm, at most about 300 µm, at most about 400 µm, at most about 500 µm, at most about 600 µm, at most about 700 µm, at most about 800 µm, at most about 900 µm, at most about 1000 µm, at most about 2000 µm. In some embodiments, the porous partition consists of openings in that are of a typical characteristic size of more than about 1 µm, more than about 2 µm, more than about 5 µm, more than aboutWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 10 µm, more than about 20 µm, more than about 30 µm, more than about 40 µm, more than about 50 µm, more than about 60 µm, more than about 70 µm, more than about 80 µm, more than about 90 µm, more than about 100 µm, more than about 200 µm, more than about 300 µm, more than about 400 µm, more than about 500 µm, more than about 600 µm, more than about 700 µm, more than about 800 µm, more than about 900 µm, more than about 1000 µm, more than about 2000 µm. In some embodiments, the porous partition consists of openings in that are of a typical characteristic size from about 20 µm to about 40 µm, from about 40 µm to about 80 µm, from about 80 µm to about 200 µm, from about 100 µm to about 400 µm, from about 200 µm to about 800 µm, from about 400 µm to about 1000 µm, from about 600 µm to about 2000 µm, from about 1000 µm to about 2000 µm. In some embodiments, the porous partition consists of openings in that are of a typical characteristic size of from about 1 µm to about 2 µm, from about 2 µm to about 4 µm, from about 4 µm to about 10 µm, from about 10 µm to about 20 µm, from about 20 µm to about 40 µm, from about 40 µm to about 100 µm, from about 100 µm to about 200 µm, from about 200 µm to about 400 µm, from about 400 µm to about 1000 µm, from about 1000 µm to about 2000 µm. In some embodiments, the porous partition consists of openings in that are of a typical characteristic size of from about 1 µm to about 10 µm, from about 10 µm to about 100 µm, from about 100 µm to about 1000 µm, from about 1000 µm to about 10000 µm.

[0212] In some embodiments, the air permeability of said permeable partition, measured at 200 Pa, in units of liters per meter square per second, is less than about 1, less than about 5, less than about 10, less than about 50, less than about 100, less than about 500, less than about 1000, less than about 5000, less than about 10,000. In some embodiments, the air permeability of said permeable partition, measured at 200 Pa, in units of liters per meter square per second, is at most about 1, at most about 5, at most about 10, at most about 50, at most about 100, at most about 500, at most about 1000, at most about 5000, at most about 10,000. In some embodiments, the air permeability of said permeable partition, measured at 200 Pa, in units of liters per meter square per second, is more than about 1, more than about 5, more than about 10, more than about 50, more than about 100, more than about 500, more than about 1000, more than about 5000, more than about 10,000. In some embodiments, the air permeability of said permeable partition, measured at 200 Pa, in units of liters per meter square per second, is from about 0.1 to about 1, from about 1 to about 5, from about 5 to about 10, from about 10 to about 50, from about 50 to about 100, from about 100 to about 500, from about 500 to about 1000, from about 1000 to about 5000, from about 5,000 about 10,000.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0213] In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises an ion exchange material and a porous polymer. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises an ion exchange material and a porous fiber. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises an ion exchange material and cellulose. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises an ion exchange material and a mesh or polymer membrane. In some embodiments, said partition comprises one or more meshes of similar or different composition, of similar or different aperture sizes, of similar or different percent open area. In some embodiments, side porous partition comprises one or more meshes to provide structural support and / or filtration capabilities. In some embodiments, side porous partition comprises one or partitions, one or more of which comprise an ion exchange material. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises a v-wire screen, a sintered metal screen, a sintered polymer screen, a flat screen, a cylindrical screen, a screen comprised of wire with cylindrical cross section, a screen comprised of wire with square cross section, a screen comprised of wire with rectangular cross section, a screen comprised of wire with rhomboidal cross section, a screen comprised of wire with triangular cross section, a screen comprised of wire with irregular cross section, a slotted wire screen, a mesh, or a combination thereof, wherein said porous partition is coarse, fine, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, said porous partition comprises polyether ether ketone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polysulfone mesh, polyester mesh, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene polymer, stainless steel, stainless steel mesh coated in polymer, stainless steel mesh coated in ceramic, titanium, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises ion exchange particles. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises porous ion exchange particles. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises a mixture of ion exchange particles with other polymers described above. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises multiple layers. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprising an ion exchange material extracts lithium in the lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprising an ion exchange material is the only component that extracts lithium in the lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises an ion exchange material, while the filter bank is filled with a packed bed of the same ion exchange material. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises an ion exchange material, while the filter bank is filled with a packed bed a different ion exchange material. In some embodiments, the porous partition comprises an ion exchange material, while the filter bank is filled with a packed bed a different lithium selective sorbent.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0214] In some embodiments, said porous partition optionally contains structures to enable said partition to be incorporated into the assembly of the filter bank. In some embodiments, these structures comprise, but are not limited to, holes, slits, cutouts, perforations, protrusions, gaskets, or rings. In some embodiments, said structures comprise a flexible cylinder that forms an octagonal shape spanning the entire porous partition, providing a structural reinforcement. In some embodiments,, the porous surface is contained within said octagon. In some embodiments, said reinforcement is surrounded by the material that the porous partition is made of. In some embodiments, said structural reinforcement is caulked into an octagonally- shaped groove on the filter bank using a mallet, resulting in the porous partition being immobilized directly onto the filter bank.

[0215] In some embodiments, the filter cloths are gasketed. In some embodiments, the filter cloths are non-gasketed. In some embodiments, the filter cloths span more than one filter bank.

[0216] In some embodiments, the compartment containing the lithium selective sorbent or ion-exchange beads is treated with a fluid. In some embodiments, the compartment containing the lithium selective sorbent or ion-exchange beads is treated with water or other solutions for the purposes of adjusting the concentration, composition, pH, or contaminant level of the fluid flowing through the vessel. In some embodiments, the compartment containing the lithium selective sorbent or ion-exchange beads is treated with a lithium-containing liquid resource to absorb lithium. In some embodiments, the compartment containing the lithium selective sorbent or ion-exchange beads is treated with an acidic solution to release absorbed lithium. In some embodiments, the compartment containing the lithium selective sorbent or ion-exchange beads is treated with multiple fluids. In some embodiments, in order to contact the lithium- selective sorbent with said fluid, fluid is directed from the inlet of the lithium extraction device to the one or more filter plates in said device. In some embodiments, said direction of flow is achieved by means of optional inlet-and outlet- flows to and from said compartment within a filter plate. In some embodiments, such inlet- and outlet flows are located at the top, bottom, center, off-center, or side of said compartments. In some embodiments, such inlet- and outlet flows are located at the top, bottom, center, off-center, or side of said filter plate. In some embodiments, the inlet- and outlet flows to and from said compartment are injected and removed from the internal space of said compartments by means of piping, tubing, orifices, or other internal components that protrude into said compartment.

[0217] In some embodiments, one or more pipes are in fluid contact with each filter plate, with each of said pipes delivering or removing fluid flows to and from said filter plate. In someWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 embodiments, one such pipe is present in the filter plate. In some embodiments, two such pipes are present in the filter plate. In some embodiments, three such pipes are present in the filter plate. In some embodiments, four such pipes are present in the filter plate. In some embodiments, five such pipes are present in the filter plate. In a preferred embodiment, four such fluid deliver pipes are located at the four corners of a filter plate. In some embodiments, more than five such pipes are present in the filter plate.

[0218] In some embodiments, said pipes have a diameter of less than about 1 mm, less than about 2 mm, less than about 5 mm, less than about 10 mm, less than about 20 mm, less than about 30 mm, less than about 40 mm, less than about 50 mm, less than about 60 mm, less than about 70 mm, less than about 80 mm, less than about 90 mm, less than about 100 mm, less than about 200 mm, less than about 500 mm, less than about 1000 mm, less than about 1500 mm, less than about 2000 mm. In some embodiments, said pipes have a diameter of at most about 1 mm, at most about 2 mm, at most about 5 mm, at most about 10 mm, at most about 20 mm, at most about 30 mm, at most about 40 mm, at most about 50 mm, at most about 60 mm, at most about 70 mm, at most about 80 mm, at most about 90 mm, at most about 100 mm, at most about 200 mm, at most about 500 mm, at most about 1000 mm, at most about 1500 mm, at most about 2000 mm. In some embodiments, said pipes or have a diameter of more than about 1 mm, more than about 2 mm, more than about 5 mm, more than about 10 mm, more than about 20 mm, more than about 30 mm, more than about 40 mm, more than about 50 mm, more than about 60 mm, more than about 70 mm, more than about 80 mm, more than about 90 mm, more than about 100 mm, more than about 200 mm, more than about 500 mm, more than about 1000 mm, more than about 1500 mm, more than about 2000 mm. In some embodiments said pipes or have a diameter of about 1 mm to about 2 mm, from about 2 mm to about 4 mm, from about 4 mm to about 10 mm, from about 10 mm to about 20 mm from about 20 mm to about 40 mm, from about 40 mm to about 100 mm, from about 100 mm to about 500 mm, from about 500 mm to about 1500 mm, from about 1500 mm to about 2000 mm. In some embodiments, said pipes or have a length of less than about 1 cm, less than about 2 cm, less than about 5 cm, less than about 10 cm, less than about 20 cm, less than about 30 cm, less than about 40 cm, less than about 50 cm, less than about 60 cm, less than about 70 cm, less than about 80 cm, less than about 90 cm, less than about 100 cm, less than about 200 cm, less than about 500 cm, less than about 10 m. In some embodiments, said pipes or have a length of at most about 1 cm, at most about 2 cm, at most about 5 cm, at most about 10 cm, at most about 20 cm, at most about 30 cm, at most about 40 cm, at most about 50 cm, at most about 60 cm, at most about 70 cm, at most about 80 cm, at most about 90 cm, at most about 100 cm, at mostWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 about 200 cm, at most about 500 cm, at most about 10 m. In some embodiments, said pipes or have a length of more than about 1 cm, more than about 2 cm, more than about 5 cm, more than about 10 cm, more than about 20 cm, more than about 30 cm, more than about 40 cm, more than about 50 cm, more than about 60 cm, more than about 70 cm, more than about 80 cm, more than about 90 cm, more than about 100 cm, more than about 200 cm, more than about 500 cm, more than about 10 m. In some embodiments, said or pipes have a length of about 1 cm to about 2 cm, from about 2 cm to about 4 cm, from about 4 cm to about 10 cm, from about 10 cm to about 20 cm, from about 20 cm to about 50 cm, from about 50 cm to about 100 cm, from about 100 cm to about 200 cm, from about 200 cm to about 10 m.

[0219] In some embodiments, said pipes have a diameter of less than about 1 mm, less than about 2 mm, less than about 5 mm, less than about 10 mm, less than about 20 mm, less than about 30 mm, less than about 40 mm, less than about 50 mm, less than about 60 mm, less than about 70 mm, less than about 80 mm, less than about 90 mm, less than about 100 mm, less than about 200 mm, less than about 500 mm, less than about 1000 mm, less than about 1500 mm, less than about 2000 mm. In some embodiments, said pipes have a diameter of at most about 1 mm, at most about 2 mm, at most about 5 mm, at most about 10 mm, at most about 20 mm, at most about 30 mm, at most about 40 mm, at most about 50 mm, at most about 60 mm, at most about 70 mm, at most about 80 mm, at most about 90 mm, at most about 100 mm, at most about 200 mm, at most about 500 mm, at most about 1000 mm, at most about 1500 mm, at most about 2000 mm. In some embodiments, said pipes or have a diameter of more than about 1 mm, more than about 2 mm, more than about 5 mm, more than about 10 mm, more than about 20 mm, more than about 30 mm, more than about 40 mm, more than about 50 mm, more than about 60 mm, more than about 70 mm, more than about 80 mm, more than about 90 mm, more than about 100 mm, more than about 200 mm, more than about 500 mm, more than about 1000 mm, more than about 1500 mm, more than about 2000 mm. In some embodiments said pipes or have a diameter of about 1 mm to about 2 mm, from about 2 mm to about 4 mm, from about 4 mm to about 10 mm, from about 10 mm to about 20 mm from about 20 mm to about 40 mm, from about 40 mm to about 100 mm, from about 100 mm to about 500 mm, from about 500 mm to about 1500 mm, from about 1500 mm to about 2000 mm. In some embodiments, said pipes or have a length of less than about 1 cm, less than about 2 cm, less than about 5 cm, less than about 10 cm, less than about 20 cm, less than about 30 cm, less than about 40 cm, less than about 50 cm, less than about 60 cm, less than about 70 cm, less than about 80 cm, less than about 90 cm, less than about 100 cm, less than about 200 cm, less than about 500 cm, less than about 10 m. In some embodiments, said pipes or have a length of atWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 most about 1 cm, at most about 2 cm, at most about 5 cm, at most about 10 cm, at most about 20 cm, at most about 30 cm, at most about 40 cm, at most about 50 cm, at most about 60 cm, at most about 70 cm, at most about 80 cm, at most about 90 cm, at most about 100 cm, at most about 200 cm, at most about 500 cm, at most about 10 m. In some embodiments, said pipes or have a length of more than about 1 cm, more than about 2 cm, more than about 5 cm, more than about 10 cm, more than about 20 cm, more than about 30 cm, more than about 40 cm, more than about 50 cm, more than about 60 cm, more than about 70 cm, more than about 80 cm, more than about 90 cm, more than about 100 cm, more than about 200 cm, more than about 500 cm, more than about 10 m. In some embodiments, said or pipes have a length of about 1 cm to about 2 cm, from about 2 cm to about 4 cm, from about 4 cm to about 10 cm, from about 10 cm to about 20 cm, from about 20 cm to about 50 cm, from about 50 cm to about 100 cm, from about 100 cm to about 200 cm, from about 200 cm to about 10 m.

[0220] In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameter of said pipe to the dimension of the filter plate is less than about 0.01, less than about 0.1, less than about 1, less than about 10, less than about 100. In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameter of said pipe to the dimension of the filter plate is at most about 0.01, at most about 0.1, at most about 1, at most about 10, at most about 100. In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameter of said pipe to the dimension of the filter plate is more than about 0.01, more than about 0.1, more than about 1, more than about 10, more than about 100. In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameter of said pipe to the dimension of the filter plate is from about 0.01 to about 0.1, from about 0.1 to about 1, from about 1 to about 10, from about 10 to about 100. In some embodiments, one or more pipes of equivalent or different dimensions are found within a filter plate. In some embodiments, one or more of these pipes are connected. In some embodiments, one or more of said pipes are oriented with respect to each other in parallel, perpendicular, at an angle, in varying geometries, or in a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameters of pipes within the same filter plate is less than about 0.01, less than about 0.1, less than about 1, less than about 10, less than about 100. In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameters of pipes within the same filter plate is at most about 0.01, at most about 0.1, at most about 1, at most about 10, at most about 100. In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameters of pipes within the same filter plate is more than about 0.01, more than about 0.1, more than about 1, more than about 10, more than about 100. In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameters of pipes within the same filter plate is from about 0.01 to about 0.1, from about 0.1 to about 1, from about 1 to about 10, from about 10 to about 100.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0221] In some embodiments, said additional pipes are connected to one or more orifices which deliver fluid to and from the flow distribution surface. In some embodiments, orifices provide a fluid connection from the piping that delivers flow to the filter plate to the flow distribution surfaces. In some embodiments, one such orifice delivers flow. In some embodiments, more than one orifice delivers flow. In some embodiments, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 orifices deliver flow. In some embodiments, more than 20 orifices deliver flow. In some embodiments, said orifices have a diameter of less than about 1 mm, less than about 2 mm, less than about 5 mm, less than about 10 mm, less than about 20 mm, less than about 30 mm, less than about 40 mm, less than about 50 mm, less than about 60 mm, less than about 70 mm, less than about 80 mm, less than about 90 mm, less than about 100 mm. In some embodiments, said orifices have a diameter of at most about 1 mm, at most about 2 mm, at most about 5 mm, at most about 10 mm, at most about 20 mm, at most about 30 mm, at most about 40 mm, at most about 50 mm, at most about 60 mm, at most about 70 mm, at most about 80 mm, at most about 90 mm, at most about 100 mm. In some embodiments, said orifices have a diameter of more than about 1 mm, more than about 2 mm, more than about 5 mm, more than about 10 mm, more than about 20 mm, more than about 30 mm, more than about 40 mm, more than about 50 mm, more than about 60 mm, more than about 70 mm, more than about 80 mm, more than about 90 mm, more than about 100 mm. In some embodiments, said orifices have a diameter of about 1 mm to about 2 mm, from about 2 mm to about 4 mm, from about 4 mm to about 10 mm, from about 10 mm to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, said orifices have a length of less than about 1 cm, less than about 2 cm, less than about 5 cm, less than about 10 cm, less than about 20 cm, less than about 30 cm, less than about 40 cm, less than about 50 cm, less than about 60 cm, less than about 70 cm, less than about 80 cm, less than about 90 cm, less than about 100 cm, less than about 200 cm, less than about 500 cm, less than about 10 m. In some embodiments, said orifices have a length of at most about 1 cm, at most about 2 cm, at most about 5 cm, at most about 10 cm, at most about 20 cm, at most about 30 cm, at most about 40 cm, at most about 50 cm, at most about 60 cm, at most about 70 cm, at most about 80 cm, at most about 90 cm, at most about 100 cm, at most about 200 cm, at most about 500 cm, at most about 10 m. In some embodiments, said orifices have a length of more than about 1 cm, more than about 2 cm, more than about 5 cm, more than about 10 cm, more than about 20 cm, more than about 30 cm, more than about 40 cm, more than about 50 cm, more than about 60 cm, more than about 70 cm, more than about 80 cm, more than about 90 cm, more than about 100 cm, more than about 200 cm, more than about 500 cm, more than about 10 m. In some embodiments, said orifices have a length ofWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 about 1 cm to about 2 cm, from about 2 cm to about 4 cm, from about 4 cm to about 10 cm, from about 10 cm to about 20 cm, from about 20 cm to about 50 cm, from about 50 cm to about 100 cm, from about 100 cm to about 200 cm, from about 200 cm to about 10 m.

[0222] In some embodiments, pipes, orifices, and flow distribution surfaces are configured to direct a flow of a liquid resource through the one or more filter plates and out of said one or more filter plates, wherein the sorbent material contained in said filter plate selectively absorbs lithium. In some embodiments, pipes, orifices, and flow distribution surfaces are configured to uniformly distribute the flow of liquid through the sorbent material contained in the filter plate. In some embodiments, said flow uniformity implies that each volume of sorbent material within the filter plate is contacted with the same volume of liquid resource within a given time period. In some embodiments, uniform distribution of flow through the sorbent material results in a higher lithium absorption capacity of the sorbent, a higher selectivity for lithium absorption by the sorbent over other ions present in the liquid resource, a minimized distance required to flow the liquid through the one or more filter plates, a reduced change in pressure when flowing liquid across the one or more filter plates, a longer life time of the sorbent, a longer life time of the ion-exchange material, or a combination thereof.

[0223] In some embodiments, the devices, vessels, system, and methods described herein utilize a flow distribution compartment to optimize the flow of various solutions or gases through the devices, vessels, pipes, filter plates, and lithium-selective sorbents materials. In some embodiments, the inlet- and outlet flows to and from the flow distribution compartments are injected and remove from the internal space of said compartments by means of piping, tubing, or other internal components that protrude into said compartment. In some embodiments, the inlet- and outlet flows to and from the flow distribution compartments are injected and remove from the internal space of said compartments by means of piping, tubing, or other internal components that protrude into said compartment In some embodiments, the flow distribution compartment are optionally treated with a lithium containing resource, hydrogen ion-containing acid, water, or other solutions for the purposes of adjusting the concentration, composition, pH, or contaminant level of the fluid flowing through the vessel. This is achieved by means of an optional inlet-and outlet- flows to and from the flow distribution compartment.

[0224] In some embodiments, the porous partition, fluid conduits, fluid orifices, and flow distribution surfaces, are assembled to form a filter plate. An example of such a filter plates is shown in Figure 4B.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0225] In some embodiments, said filter plates contain structural supports that allow said plates to be mounted within a larger lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, solid filter plates comprise a compartment containing a lithium-selective sorbent or ion-exchange material. In some embodiments, multiple filter plates are found within a single lithium extraction device, such that they form a stack of filter plates. In some embodiments said stack of filter plates is formed into a filter press In some embodiments, said filter press is oriented vertically, horizontally, or slanted with respect to the ground.

[0226] In some embodiments, the bed of ion exchange material is contained within said filter bank. In some embodiments, the bed of lithium selective sorbent is contained within said filter bank. In some embodiments, said bed of ion exchange material has a characteristic “thickness”, wherein “thickness” is defined as the average dimension of the said solid mass, measured in a direction that is parallel to the direction of fluid flow through the filter bank.

[0227] In some embodiments, the typical thickness of the chamber containing solids between filter plates is less than about 1 cm, less than about 2 cm, less than about 4 cm, less than about 6 cm, less than about 8 cm, less than about 10 cm, less than about 20 cm, less than about 40 cm, less than about 60 cm, less than about 80 cm, less than about 1 m, less than about 2 m, less than about 4 m. In some embodiments, the typical thickness of the chamber containing solids between filter plates is more than about 1 cm, less than about 2 cm, less than about 4 cm, less than about 6 cm, less than about 8 cm, less than about 10 cm, less than about 20 cm, less than about 40 cm, less than about 60 cm, less than about 80 cm, less than about 1 m, less than about 2 m, less than about 4 m. In some embodiments, the typical thickness of the chamber containing solids between filter plates is at most about 1 cm, at most about 2 cm, at most about 4 cm, at most about 6 cm, at most about 8 cm, at most about 10 cm, at most about 20 cm, at most about 40 cm, at most about 60 cm, at most about 80 cm, at most about 1 m, at most about 2 m, at most about 4 m. In some embodiments, the typical thickness of the chamber containing solids between filter plates is more than about 1 cm, at most about 2 cm, at most about 4 cm, at most about 6 cm, at most about 8 cm, at most about 10 cm, at most about 20 cm, at most about 40 cm, at most about 60 cm, at most about 80 cm, at most about 1 m, at most about 2 m, at most about 4 m. In some embodiments, the typical thickness of the chamber containing solids between filter plates is from about 1 cm to about 2 cm, from about 2 cm to about 4 cm, from about 4 cm to about 8 cm, from about 8 cm to about 20 cm, from about 20 cm to about 40 cm, from about 40 cm to about 80 cm, from about 80 cm to about 120 cm, from about 120 cm to about 2 m, from about 2 m to about 4 m. In a preferred embodiment, theWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 typical thickness of the chamber containing solids between filter plates is selected from 18 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, or 60 mm.

[0228] In some embodiments, the chamber holds a maximum volume of solids, this is the maximum volume of lithium selective sorbent that can be contained within each filter bank. In some embodiments, said volume is less than about 1 mL, less than about 10 mL, less than about 100 mL, less than about 1 L, less than about 10 L, less than about 100 L, less than about 1 cubic meter, less than about 10 cubic meters. In some embodiments, said volume is at most about 1 mL, at most about 10 mL, at most about 100 mL, at most about 1 L, at most about 10 L, at most about 100 L, at most about 1 cubic meter, at most about 10 cubic meters. In some embodiments, said volume is more than about 1 mL, more than about 10 mL, more than about 100 mL, more than about 1 L, more than about 10 L, more than about 100 L, more than about 1 cubic meter, more than about 10 cubic meters. In some embodiments, said volume is from about 0.1 mL to about 1 mL, from about 1 mL to about 10 mL, from about 10 mL to about 100 mL, from about 100 mL to about 1 L, from about 1 L to about 10 L, from about 10 L to about 100 L, from about 100 L to about 1 cubic meter, from about 1 cubic meter to about 10 cubic meters, from about 10 cubic meters.

[0229] In some embodiments, the porous partition in the chamber comprises a fixed surface area per chamber. In some embodiments, said area is less than about 1 cm2, less than about 10 cm2, less than about 100 cm2, less than about 1,000 cm2, less than about 1 m2, less than about 10 m2, less than about 100 m2, less than about 1000 m2. In some embodiments, said area is at most about 1 cm2, at most about 10 cm2, at most about 100 cm2, at most about 1,000 cm2, at most about 1 m2, at most about 10 m2, at most about 100 m2, at most about 1000 m2. In some embodiments, said volume is more than about 1 cm2, more than about 10 cm2, more than about 100 cm2, more than about 1,000 cm2, more than about 1 m2, more than about 10 m2, more than about 100 m2, more than about 1000 m2. In some embodiments, said volume is from about 0.1 cm2to about 1 cm2, from about 1 cm2to about 10 cm2, from about 10 cm2to about 100 cm2, from about 100 cm2to about 1,000 cm2, from about 1,000 cm2to about 1 m2, from about 1 m2to about 10 m2, from about 10 m2to about 100 m2, from about 100 m2cubic meter to about 1,000 m2.

[0230] In some embodiments, the bed of ion exchange material is contained between two filter plates. In some embodiments, said bed of ion exchange material has a characteristic “cross sectional length” of said bed, defined as the average dimension of the said solid mass, measured in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow through the filter bank. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional length of said bed is less than about 1 cm, lessWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 than about 2 cm, less than about 4 cm, less than about 6 cm, less than about 8 cm, less than about 10 cm, less than about 20 cm, less than about 40 cm, less than about 60 cm, less than about 80 cm, less than about 1 m, less than about 2 m, less than about 4 m. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional length of said bed is at most about 1 cm, at most about 2 cm, at most about 4 cm, at most about 6 cm, at most about 8 cm, at most about 10 cm, at most about 20 cm, at most about 40 cm, at most about 60 cm, at most about 80 cm, at most about 1 m, at most about 2 m, at most about 4 m. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional length of said bed is more than about 1 cm, at most about 2 cm, at most about 4 cm, at most about 6 cm, at most about 8 cm, at most about 10 cm, at most about 20 cm, at most about 40 cm, at most about 60 cm, at most about 80 cm, at most about 1 m, at most about 2 m, at most about 4 m. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional length of said bed is more than about 1 cm, less than about 2 cm, less than about 4 cm, less than about 6 cm, less than about 8 cm, less than about 10 cm, less than about 20 cm, less than about 40 cm, less than about 60 cm, less than about 80 cm, less than about 1 m, less than about 2 m, less than about 4 m. In some embodiments, the cross- sectional length of said bed is from about 1 cm to about 2 cm, from about 2 cm to about 4 cm, from about 4 cm to about 8 cm, from about 8 cm to about 20 cm, from about 20 cm to about 40 cm, from about 40 cm to about 80 cm, from about 80 cm to about 120 cm, from about 120 cm to about 2 m, from about 2 m to about 4 m, from about 4 m to about 8 m. In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional length is selected from: about 250 mm, 320 mm, 470 mm, 630 mm, 800 mm, 1000 mm, 1200 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm, 4000 mm. In some embodiments, the bed of sorbent material is not square, and comprises a cross-sectional length that is selected from two of the following dimensions: about 250 mm, 320 mm, 470 mm, 630 mm, 800 mm, 1000 mm, 1200 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm, 4000 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the cross- sectional length of the bed of lithium-selective sorbent is 2000 mm x 4000 mm, 1500 mm x 2000 mm, 2500 mm by 5000 mm, or a combination thereof.

[0231] In some embodiments, the device containing ion-exchange beads is comprised of multiple and separate ion-exchange compartments arranged within a single vessel. In some embodiments, the lithium extraction device comprises multiple and separate lithium extraction compartments arranged within a single vessel. In some embodiments, the lithium extraction devices comprises multiple individual filter banks – each containing an individual lithium- selective sorbent compartment – where lithium is absorbed by said lithium selective sorbent. In some embodiments, said compartments comprise individual filter banks. In some embodiments, said multiple compartments comprise the filter chambers contained between filter plates in a filter press. In some embodiments, there is more than one lithium extractionWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 compartments lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, there are less than about two, less than about three, less than about five, less than about ten, less than about twenty, less than about thirty, less than about fifty, less than about one-hundred, less than about two-hundred individual compartments within a single lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, there are at most about two, at most about three, at most about five, at most about ten, at most about twenty, at most about thirty, at most about fifty, at most about one-hundred, at most about two- hundred individual compartments within a single lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, there are more than about two, more than about three, more than about five, more than about ten, more than about twenty, more than about thirty, more than about fifty, more than about one-hundred, more than about two-hundred individual compartments within a single lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, a single lithium extraction device comprises about two, about three, about five, about ten, about twenty, about thirty, about fifty, about one-hundred, about one hundred and fifty, or about two-hundred individual lithium extraction compartments.

[0232] In some embodiments, the multiple filter banks are held together by a device that applies a mechanical force that presses the individual filter banks together. In some embodiments, said device comprises a hydraulic system, comprising one more pistons and one or more devices to apply a hydraulic force on said piston. In some embodiments, the mechanical force is applied to one structurally reinforced component that is in contact with the first plate in the stack of filter banks, and the compressive force is distributed across all filter plates in the device. In some embodiments, said force is applied by means of a pressurized hydraulic fluid system, pressurized air system, mechanical tensions system, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to compress all filter bank together is less than 50 psi, less than 150 psi, less than 500 psi, less than 1000 psi, less than 2500 psi, or less than 5000 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to compress all filter bank together is at most 50 psi, at most 150 psi, at most 500 psi, at most 1000 psi, at most 2500 psi, or at most 5000 psi. In some embodiments the pressure applied is more than 50 psi, more than 150 psi, more than 500 psi, more than 1000 psi, more than 2500 psi, or more than 5000 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure applied is from 50 psi to 150 psi, from 150 psi to 500 psi, from 500 psi to 1000 psi, from 1000 psi to 2500 psi, from 2500 psi to 5000 psi.

[0233] In devices comprising multiple beds of lithium-selective sorbent, all beds are connected to a shared flow distribution manifold, such that flow of liquid to and from said beds of lithium-selective sorbent occur in parallel. In some embodiments, a multitude of ion-WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 exchange beds share the same inlet and outlet flows in parallel, wherein a different multitude of ion-exchange beds share a different set of inlet and outlet flows.

[0234] In some embodiments, the filter press comprises filter plates. In some embodiments, filter plates comprise structures, flow distributors, orifices, fluid conduits, fluid conducts, membranes, structural supports, and any other component that is required for the assembly of a filter bank. In some embodiments, two filter plates are assembled together to form a filter bank between them, wherein said filter bank contains a space or chamber that can be loaded with a lithium-selective sorbent. An example of such an assembly is shown in FIG. 4; two opposing filter plates 40204 come together to form a single filter bank comprising a bed of lithium-selective sorbent 40215. In some embodiments, said filter plates are chamber filter plates. In some embodiments, said filter plates are recessed chamber filter plates. In some embodiments, said filter plates are diaphragm squeeze filter plates. In some embodiments said filter plates are chosen from, but not limited to, one or more of the following types of filter plates commonly known in the field of the art: recessed, chamber recessed chamber, plate-and- frame, membrane squeeze, diaphragm squeeze, flush plate and frame, mineral plates, gasketed, non-gasketed, mixtures thereof or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, said filter plates are constructed out of a metal, stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, Hastelloy, nickel, Inconel, Monel, tantalum, alloys thereof, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, said filter plates are construcuted out of polymer, a fluoropolymer, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, tetrapolyethylene, PVDF, EPDM, Viton, rubber, Bunna- N, natural rubber, mixtures thereof, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, multiple plates described above are stacked in such a manner so as to form a multitude of parallel filter banks, shown in FIG.4A. In some embodiments, the assembled filter banks constitute a filter press, and said filter press is used to contain a lithium-selective sorbent and used to extract lithium. In some embodiments, there is more than one filter plate in said filter press. In some embodiments, there are less than about two, less than about three, less than about five, less than about ten, less than about twenty, less than about thirty, less than about fifty, less than about one-hundred, less than about two-hundred individual filter plates in said filter press. In some embodiments, there are at most about two, at most about three, at most about five, at most about ten, at most about twenty, at most about thirty, at most about fifty, at most about one-hundred, at most about two-hundred individual filter plates in said filter press. In some embodiments, there are more than about two, more than about three, more than about five,WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 more than about ten, more than about twenty, more than about thirty, more than about fifty, more than about one-hundred, more than about two-hundred filter plates in said filter press. In some embodiments, a single lithium extraction device comprises about two, about three, about five, about ten, about twenty, about thirty, about fifty, about one-hundred, about one hundred and fifty, or about two-hundred filter plates in said filter press.

[0235] In some embodiments, the filter press comprises filter plates equipped with a membrane squeeze feature. In some embodiments, the filter press comprises membrane filter plates. In some embodiments, said membrane filter plates comprise one or more components that are deformed or expanded after the filter bank is filled with the lithium selective sorbent, in a manner that applies a compressive or “squeezing” force on said sorbent. Said deformable components are optionally referred to as a “membrane”. In some embodiments, said compression results in additional compaction of the bed of lithium-selective sorbent. In some embodiments, said compression increases the uniformity of the bed of lithium-selective sorbent. In some embodiments, said compression results in improved uniformity of flow when contacting said lithium-selective sorbent with a liquid stream. In some embodiments, said compression is applied continually during operation of the lithium-extraction device. In some embodiments, said compression is applied intermittently during operation of the lithium- extraction device.

[0236] In some embodiments, the expandable membrane component that applies mechanical compression or “squeezing” on the sorbent comprises the flow distribution compartment or surface. An example of such a compartment is shown in Figure 4C. A flow distribution compartment exists between the structure surface 40213 and the porous partition 40214. Surface 40213 is flexible, such that hydraulic fluid or air can be injected into chamber 40212 by means of a hydraulic fluid or air distribution system, thereby “inflating” 40213 towards sorbent 40205. In the field of the art, such an operating may be denoted as a membrane squeeze. In some embodiments, the membrane comprises low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), types of polyamide, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polysulfone, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), poly (4-vinyl pyridine-co-styrene) (PVPCS), polystyrene (PS), polybutadiene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene polymer (ETFE), poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene) (PCTFE), ethylene chlorotrifluoro ethylene (Halar), polyvinylfluoride (PVF), fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP), perfluorinated elastomer, chlorotrifluoroethylenevinylidene fluoride (FKM), perfluoropolyether (PFPE), perfluoro-3,6- dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene-sulfonic acid (NAFION®(copolymer of perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 methyl-7-octene-sulfonic acid and tetrafluoroethylene)), polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, sodium polyacrylate, polyethylene-block-poly(ethylene glycol), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polychloroprene (neoprene), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), expanded polystyrene (EPS), polydivinylbenzene, co-polymers thereof, mixtures thereof, or combinations thereof. In a further aspect, a coating material comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene chlorotrifluoro ethylene (Halar), poly (4-vinyl pyridine-co-styrene) (PVPCS), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyphenylene sulfide, sulfonated polymer, carboxylated polymer, other polymers, co- polymers thereof, mixtures thereof, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a filter cake of lithium selective sorbent is held within said filter bank, wherein said cake is formed by flowing a suspension of said sorbent through said filter bank.

[0237] In some embodiments, the pressure applied to deform the membrane is less than 5 psi, less than 25 psi, less than 50 psi, less than 100 psi, less than 150 psi, less than 250 psi, or less than 500 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to deform the membrane is at most 5 psi, at most 25 psi, at most 50 psi, at most 100 psi, at most 150 psi, at most 250 psi, or at most 500 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to deform the membrane component of the filter bank is more than 5 psi, more than 25 psi, more than 50 psi, more than 100 psi, more than 150 psi, more than 250 psi, or more than 500 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to deform the membrane component of the filter bank is from about 1 psi to about 5 psi, from about 5 psi to about 25 psi, from about 25 psi to about 50 psi, from about 50 psi to about 100 psi, from about 100 psi to about 150 psi, from about 150 psi to about 250 psi, from about 250 psi to about 500 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to deform the membrane component of the filter bank remains constant during operation of the lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to deform the membrane component of the filter bank is varied during operation of the lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to deform the membrane component of the filter bank is applied after said filter bank is loaded with said sorbent, and then released. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to deform the membrane component of the filter bank is applied after said filter bank is loaded with said sorbent, and then maintained during all subsequent operations. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to deform the membrane component of the filter bank is applied when the lithium-selective sorbent is contacted with a liquid resource comprising lithium. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to deform the membrane component of the filter bank is applied when the lithium-selective sorbent is contacted with an acidic eluent that releases lithium form said sorbent. In some embodiments,WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 the pressure applied to deform the membrane component of the filter bank is applied during washing of the lithium-selective sorbent with a washing solution. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to deform the membrane component of the filter bank is applied without a liquid stream being in contact with the lithium selective sorbent.

[0238] In some embodiment, the pressure on the deformable flow distribution surface is applied by means of compressed air or a compressed liquid. In some embodiment, the pressure on the deformable flow distribution surface is applied by a hydraulic system. In some embodiment, the pressure on the deformable flow distribution surface is applied by a mechanical device, such as a piston.

[0239] In some embodiments, the pressure thus applied on the bed of lithium selective sorbent decreases the volume of said bed. In some embodiments, the pressure thus applied on the bed of lithium selective sorbent decreases the volume of said bed by about 0.01 %, by about 0.1 %, by about 1 %, by about 5 %, by about 10 %, by about 25 %, by about 50 %, by about 75 %, or by about 100 %. In some embodiments, the pressure thus applied on the bed of lithium selective sorbent decreases the volume of said bed by more than about 0.01 %, by more than about 0.1 %, by more than about 1 %, by more than about 5 %, by more than about 10 %, by more than about 25 %, by more than about 50 %, by more than about 75 %, or by more than about 100 %. In some embodiments, the pressure thus applied on the bed of lithium selective sorbent decreases the volume of said bed by less than about 0.01 %, by less than about 0.1 %, by less than about 1 %, by less than about 5 %, by less than about 10 %, by less than about 25 %, by less than about 50 %, by less than about 75 %, or by less than about 100 %. In some embodiments, the pressure thus applied on the bed of lithium selective sorbent decreases the volume of said bed by at most about 0.01 %, by at most about 0.1 %, by at most about 1 %, by at most about 5 %, by at most about 10 %, by at most about 25 %, by at most about 50 %, by at most about 75 %, or by at most about 100 %. In some embodiments, the pressure thus applied on the bed of lithium selective sorbent decreases the volume of said bed from about 0.01 % to about 0.1 %, from about 0.1 % to about 1 %, from about 1 % to about 5 %, from about 5 % to about 10 %, from about 10 % to about 25 %, from about 25 % to about 50 %, from about 50 % to about 75 %, from about 75 % to about 100 %.

[0240] In some embodiments, said deformable components or membrane are welded to the rest of the filter bank. In some embodiments, said components are replaceable. In some embodiments, said components are manufactured of the same material as the rest of the filter bank. In some embodiments, said components are manufactured of a different material from the rest of the filter bank.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0241] In some embodiments, the deformable component applies pressure on the bed of lithium-selective sorbent from one side of said bed. In some embodiments, the deformable component applies pressure on the bed of lithium-selective sorbent from both sides of said bed. In some embodiments, the deformable component applies pressure on the bed of lithium- selective sorbent from multiple directions. In some embodiments, the direct from which pressure is applied varies with time. In some embodiments, the direct from which pressure is applied depends on the fluid which is being contacted with the lithium-selective sorbent. In some embodiments, the deformable component is a membrane.

[0242] In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent is loaded into the lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, said lithium-selective sorbent is an ion exchange material. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent is loaded into the lithium extraction device, and pressure is applied on the loaded sorbent using the deformable component in the filter bank. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent is loaded into the lithium extraction device, and the loaded sorbent is squeezed using a membrane in said filter bank. In some embodiments, said pressure is applied on the loaded sorbent after initial loading of said sorbent, and then released. In some embodiments, said pressure is applied on the loaded sorbent during the entire operation of said device for lithium extraction, during certain periods of said operation. In some embodiments, said pressure is applied on the loaded sorbent when said sorbent absorbs lithium from a liquid resource. In some embodiments, said pressure is applied on the loaded sorbent when said sorbent releases the absorbed lithium to produce an acidic eluent solution. In some embodiments, said pressure is applied on the loaded sorbent when said sorbent is being washed with a wash solution. In some embodiments, said pressure is applied on the loaded sorbent when said sorbent is contacted with water. In some embodiments, said pressure is applied on the loaded sorbent when said sorbent is contacted with a gas.

[0243] In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent is loaded into the lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, in order to load said sorbent into the device, the lithium selective sorbent is suspended in a fluid within a vessel. For the purposes of this disclosure, suspension of a solid in a liquid is also termed “fluidization”, or fluidization of said solids. In some embodiments, said fluid is water, a liquid resource containing lithium, a brine, an acidic eluent solution, an acidic solution, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, said fluid is a gas flown in a manner that fluidizes the sorbent. In some embodiments, the sorbent is suspended in a liquid by agitating sorbent in said liquid, such that the solids are distributed uniformly or non-uniformly throughout the fluid. In some embodiments, the distribution ofWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 solids in said fluid allows for the solids to be conveyed out of the vessel where it is contained. In some embodiments, suspension of said solids occurs by agitation of solid solids and said fluid, wherein agitation occurs with a mechanical agitator, an eductor, fluid recirculation, baffles, shaking, tapping or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fluidization of said ion exchange material occurs by means of contact with one or more gases phases. In some embodiments, the fluidization of said ion exchange material occurs by means of contact with a liquid resource, a wash solution, an acidic solution, one or more alternate phases or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, said ion exchange material is fluidized during contact with said liquid resource. In some embodiments, said ion exchange material is fluidized during contact with said acidic solution. In some embodiments, said ion exchange material is fluidized during contact with said alternate phase. In some embodiments, said ion exchange material is fluidized during contact with said wash solution.

[0244] In some embodiments, initial fluidization of the solids is aided by contacting a pressurized gas with said solid sorbent and said fluid. In some embodiments, said aiding occurs by the additional turbulence and break up of the consolidated solids at the bottom of the vessel where said solids are stored. In some embodiments, said gas is air, nitrogen, argon, oxygen, chlorine, a different gas, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, injection of said gas for contact with the solid and fluid occurs through one or more of a pipe, tubing, channels, slits, beams, baffles, baskets, scallops, nozzles, or a mesh. In some embodiments, the components that direct flow within the vessel are perforated. In some embodiments, the openings or perforations in the components that distribute flow are shaped as circles, ovals, vertical or horizontal slits, squares, crosses, rectangles, triangles, irregular shapes, or a combination thereof.

[0245] In some embodiments, flow of the gas occurs from the top to the bottom of the vessel. In some embodiments, flow of the gas occurs from the bottom to the top of the vessel. In some embodiments, flow of the gas occurs from the inside to the outside of the vessel. In some embodiments, flow of the gas occurs from the outside to the inside of the vessel.

[0246] In one embodiment, the vessel has an internal nozzle designed to distribute flow of the gas evenly. In one embodiment, the vessel has nozzles placed equidistant with each other on a support plate. In one embodiment the nozzles are spaced out so that each nozzle covers the same area. In one embodiment the nozzles have slits or holes of width of less than 0.1 µm, less than 1 µm, less than 10 µm, less than 100 µm, or less than 1 mm. In one embodiment, the vessel has mesh with holes less than 0.1 µm, less than 1 µm, less than 10 µm, less than 100 µm, or less than 1000 µm. In some embodiments, the openings or perforation in one or more for the flow distribution components, such as pipes, tubing, channels, slits, beams, baffles, baskets, scallops,WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 nozzles, or a mesh, have a dimension of less than about 10 µm, less than about 20 µm, less than about 30 µm, less than about 40 µm, less than about 50 µm, less than about 60 µm, less than about 70 µm, less than about 80 µm, less than about 90 µm, less than about 100 µm, less than about 200 µm, less than about 300 µm, less than about 400 µm, less than about 500 µm, less than about 600 µm, less than about 700 µm, less than about 800 µm, less than about 900 µm, less than about 1000 µm, less than about 2000 µm, less than about 4000 µm, less than about 8000 µm, or less than about 10000 µm. In one embodiment the nozzles have slits or holes of width of at most 0.1 µm, at most 1 µm, at most 10 µm, at most 100 µm, or at most 1 mm. In one embodiment, the vessel has mesh with holes at most 0.1 µm, at most 1 µm, at most 10 µm, at most 100 µm, or at most 1000 µm. In some embodiments, the openings or perforation in one or more for the flow distribution components, such as pipes, tubing, channels, slits, beams, baffles, baskets, scallops, nozzles, or a mesh, have a dimension of at most about 10 µm, at most about 20 µm, at most about 30 µm, at most about 40 µm, at most about 50 µm, at most about 60 µm, at most about 70 µm, at most about 80 µm, at most about 90 µm, at most about 100 µm, at most about 200 µm, at most about 300 µm, at most about 400 µm, at most about 500 µm, at most about 600 µm, at most about 700 µm, at most about 800 µm, at most about 900 µm, at most about 1000 µm, at most about 2000 µm, at most about 4000 µm, at most about 8000 µm, or at most about 10000 µm. In some embodiments, the openings or perforation in one or more for the flow distribution components have a dimension of more than about 10 µm, more than about 20 µm, more than about 30 µm, more than about 40 µm, more than about 50 µm, more than about 60 µm, more than about 70 µm, more than about 80 µm, more than about 90 µm, more than about 100 µm, more than about 200 µm, more than about 300 µm, more than about 400 µm, more than about 500 µm, more than about 600 µm, more than about 700 µm, more than about 800 µm, more than about 900 µm, more than about 1000 µm, more than about 2000 µm, more than about 4000 µm, more than about 8000 µm, or more than about 10000 µm. In some embodiments, the openings or perforation in one or more for the flow distribution components have a dimension of less than about 10 µm to about 20 µm, from about 20 µm to about 40 µm, from about 40 µm to about 80 µm, from about 80 µm to about 200 µm, from about 100 µm to about 400 µm, from about 200 µm to about 800 µm, from about 400 µm to about 1000 µm, from about 600 µm to about 2000 µm, from about 1000 µm to about 2000 µm, from about 2000 µm to about 4000 µm, from about 4000 µm to about 8000 µm, from about 6000 µm to about 10000 µm.

[0247] In some embodiments, a gas is contacted with the lithium selective sorbent for more than about 10 milliseconds, more than about 100 milliseconds, more than about 1 second, moreWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 than about 10 seconds, more than about 100 seconds, more than about 1 minute, more than about 10 minutes, more than about 100 minutes, more than about 1 hour, more than about 10 hours, more than about 100 hours. In some embodiments, a gas is contacted with the ion exchange beads for at most about 10 milliseconds, at most about 100 milliseconds, at most about 1 second, at most about 10 seconds, at most about 100 seconds, at most about 1 minute, at most about 10 minutes, at most about 100 minutes, at most about 1 hour, at most about 10 hours, at most about 100 hours. In some embodiments, a gas is contacted with the ion exchange beads for less than about 10 milliseconds, less than about 100 milliseconds, less than about 1 second, less than about 10 seconds, less than about 100 seconds, less than about 1 minute, less than about 10 minutes, less than about 100 minutes, less than about 1 hour, less than about 10 hours, less than about 100 hours. In some embodiments, an gas is contacted with the ion exchange beads from about 10 milliseconds to about 100 milliseconds, from about 100 milliseconds to about 1 second, from about 1 second to about 10 seconds, from about 10 seconds to about 100 seconds, from about 100 seconds to about 1 minute, from about 1 minute to about 10 minutes, from about 10 minutes to about 100 minutes, from about 1 hour to about 10 hours, from about 10 hours to about 100 hours.

[0248] In some embodiments, a gas is injected to contact lithium selective sorbent at a pressure of more than about 0.1 psi, more than about 1 psi, more than about 5 psi, more than about 10 psi, more than about 50 psi, more than about 100 psi, more than about 500 psi, more than about 1000 psi, more than about 500 psi, more than about 1000 psi. In some embodiments, a gas is injected to contact the ion exchange beads at a pressure of at most about 0.1 psi, at most about 1 psi, at most about 5 psi, at most about 10 psi, at most about 50 psi, at most about 100 psi, at most about 500 psi, at most about 1000 psi, at most about 500 psi, at most about 1000 psi. In some embodiments, a gas is injected to contact the ion exchange beads at a pressure of less than about 0.1 psi, less than about 1 psi, less than about 5 psi, less than about 10 psi, less than about 50 psi, less than about 100 psi, less than about 500 psi, less than about 1000 psi, less than about 500 psi, less than about 1000 psi. In some embodiments, an gas is injected to contact the ion exchange beads at a pressure from about 0.1 psi to about 5 psi, from about 5 psi to about 10 psi, from about 10 psi to about 50 psi, from about 50 psi to about 100 psi, from about 100 psi to about 500 psi, from about 500 psi to about 1000 psi, from about 1000 psi to about 5000 psi, from about 5000 psi to about 10,000 psi.

[0249] In some embodiments, the suspended lithium selective sorbent is loaded into the lithium extraction device.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601

[0250] In some embodiments, the suspended sorbent is conveyed from the vessel described above and into a filer press. In some embodiments, conveyance of said suspension occurs by use of a mechanical device. In some embodiments, said mechanical device comprises a double- diaphragm pump, and air operated double-diaphragm pump, a diaphragm pump, a positive displacement pump, a centrifugal pump, a vortex pump, a slurry pump, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, said suspension is conveyed from said vessel and into said ion exchange device by pressurizing the top of said vessel, such that the liquid suspension is forced by pressure-driven flow to exist said vessel through a pipe. In some embodiments, said suspension is conveyed from said vessel and into said ion exchange device by suction applied at the outlet of said lithium extraction device.

[0251] In some embodiments, the suspension of sorbent that is loaded into the ion exchange device has a solids content of less than about 0.001 % v / v (solids volume per total solution volume), of less than about 0.01 % v / v, of less than about 0.1 % v / v, of less than about 1 % v / v, of less than about 10 % v / v, of less than about 50 % v / v, of less than about 75 % v / v, of less than about 100 % v / v. In some embodiments, the suspension of sorbent that is loaded into the ion exchange device has a solids content of at most about 0.001 % v / v (solids volume per total solution volume), of at most about 0.01 % v / v, of at most about 0.1 % v / v, of at most about 1 % v / v, of at most about 10 % v / v, of at most about 50 % v / v, of at most about 75 % v / v, of at most about 100 % v / v. In some embodiments, the suspension of sorbent that is loaded into the ion exchange device has a solids content of more than about 0.001 % v / v (solids volume per total solution volume), of more than about 0.01 % v / v, of more than about 0.1 % v / v, of more than about 1 % v / v, of more than about 10 % v / v, of more than about 50 % v / v, of more than about 75 % v / v. In some embodiments, the suspension of sorbent that is loaded into the ion exchange device has a solids content of from about 0.001 % v / v (solids volume per total solution volume) to about 0.01 % v / v, from about 0.01 % v / v to about 0.1 % v / v, of from about 0.1 % v / v to about 1 % v / v, of from about 1 % v / v to about 10 % v / v, of from about 10 % v / v to about 50 % v / v, of from about 50 % v / v to about 75 % v / v, of from 75 % v / v to about 100 % v / v. In some embodiments, the suspension of sorbent is a thick suspension. In some embodiments, said suspension of sorbents is a slurry.

[0252] In some embodiments, the said suspension of sorbent is conveyed into the filter press via a pipe. In some embodiments, said suspension of sorbent is conveyed into filter press through one inlet port. In some embodiments, said suspension of sorbent is conveyed into said lithium extraction device through one or more inlet ports. In some embodiments, said suspension of sorbent is conveyed into said lithium extraction device through two inlet ports.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 In some embodiments, said suspension of sorbent is conveyed into said lithium extraction device through two inlet ports that are connected to opposite ends of the lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, one or more of said inlet ports connect to a common piping system that is in fluid contact with all filter banks within said lithium extraction device.

[0253] In some embodiments, one or more of said inlet ports connect to a common piping system that is in fluid contact with all filter banks within said lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, one or more of said inlet ports connect to a common conduit or piping system that is in fluid contact with all filter banks within said lithium extraction device. An example of a fluid conduit is shown in FIG.4: Conduit 410 spans the entire stack of filter banks at their center, and is connected to a fluid inlet port at the end of the device (416). In some embodiments, the location of the fluid conduit for said suspension is the same in all filter banks across the entire device. In some embodiments, the location of the fluid conduit for said suspension is the different in different filter banks that comprise said device. In some embodiments, the location of the fluid conduit for the sorbent is above the filter bank, below the filter bank, or off to one of the sides of the filter bank.

[0254] In some embodiments, the outlet of the conduit for conveyance of sorbent into individual filter bank is dictated by the location of the slurry inlet port in a filter plate. For the purposes of this description, the center of the filter bank is the center of symmetry of said filter bank when observed in the direction of normal fluid flow through said bed. In some embodiments, said conduit is located at the center of the filter plate. In some embodiments, said conduit is located off-center from the center of the filter plate, wherein off-center implies a location in any of the radial directions from said center. In some embodiments, the ratio (distance from the center of said filter plate to the slurry inlet) to (distance from the center of plate to the edge of said plate) is less than about 0.1, less than about 0.25, less than about 0.4, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.75, less than about 0.9. In some embodiments, the ratio (distance from the center of said filter plate to the slurry inlet) to (distance from the center of plate to the edge of said plate) is at most about 0.1, at most about 0.25, at most about 0.4, at most about 0.5, at most about 0.75, at most about 0.9. In some embodiments, the ratio In some embodiments, the ratio (distance from the center of said filter plate to the slurry inlet) to (distance from the center of plate to the edge of said plate) is more than about 0.1, more than about 0.25, more than about 0.4, more than about 0.5, more than about 0.75, more than about 0.9. In some embodiments, the ratio (distance from the center of said filter plate to the slurry inlet) to (distance from the center of plate to the edge of said plate) is from about 0.01 to about 0.1, from about 0.1 to about 0.25, from about 0.25 to about 0.4, from about 0.4 to about 0.5,WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 from about 0.5 to about 0.75, from about 0.75 about 0.9. In some embodiments, the outlet of the conduit for conveyance of sorbent into individual filter bank is located within said filter plate towards the top, bottom, side, or corner of said filter bed. In some embodiments, the outlet of the conduit for conveyance of sorbent into individual filter bank is outside said filter bank. In some embodiments, the outlet of the conduit for conveyance of sorbent into individual filter bank is located outside the bed of sorbent, at the top, bottom, side, or corner of the lithium extraction device but outside of the bed of sorbent, wherein bed of sorbent is defined as the sorbent that absorbs lithium during operation of the device.

[0255] In some embodiments, as the suspension of sorbent is conveyed into the device and into the filter banks, the suspension flows into the compartment within the filter bank, and the solids are retained within said compartment by the filter cloth or porous partition; the fluid flows across said partition, into the flow distribution chamber, and out of the filter bank through orifices and pipes. As described herein, each filter bank comprises one or more porous partitions. In some embodiments, fluid flows out of said filter bank through one of said porous partitions. In some embodiments, fluid flows out of said filter bank through two of said porous partitions. In some embodiments, fluid flows out of said filter bank through one or more of said porous partitions, and out of one of the pipes that connect said filter bank to the rest of the lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, fluid flows out of said filter bank through one or more of said porous partitions, and out of two of the pipes that connect said filter bank to the rest of the lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, fluid flows out of said filter bank through one or more of said porous partitions, and out of three of the pipes that connect said filter bank to the rest of the lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, fluid flows out of said filter bank through one or more of said porous partitions, and out of four of the pipes that connect said filter bank to the rest of the lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, fluid flows out of said filter bank through one or more of said porous partitions, and out of more than of one of the pipes that connect said filter bank to the rest of the lithium extraction device.

[0256] In some embodiments the lithium extraction device comprising a filter press has a single inlet for conveyance of the suspension of sorbent into said filter press; such a configuration of a filter press is called a "single end feed” filter press. In some embodiments the lithium extraction device comprising a filter press has two inlets for conveyance of the suspension of sorbent into said filter press, located at opposite ends of the device; such a configuration of a filter press is called a "double-end feed” filter press.

[0257] In some embodiments, the bed of sorbent within said filter bank is filled with sorbent until the physical volume available in said filter bank is fully occupied by said sorbent. In someWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 embodiments, the maximum fill level is determined based on the pressure required to pump the suspension of sorbent in fluid into said filter bank; when a certain pressure and pumping rate is reached, the filter banks are considered completely filled. In some embodiments, the filter banks are filled with sorbent until the pressure required to pump said suspended sorbent into said device is more than about 0.1 psi, more than about 1 psi, more than about 5 psi, more than about 10 psi, more than about 20 psi, more than about 50 psi, more than about 75 psi, more than about 100 psi, more than about 200 psi, more than about 500 psi. In some embodiments, the filter banks are filled with sorbent until the pressure required to pump said suspended sorbent into said device is at most about 0.1 psi, at most about 1 psi, at most about 5 psi, at most about 10 psi, at most about 20 psi, at most about 50 psi, at most about 75 psi, at most about 100 psi, at most about 200 psi, at most about 500 psi. In some embodiments, the filter banks are filled with sorbent until the pressure required to pump said suspended sorbent into said device is less than about 0.1 psi, less than about 1 psi, less than about 5 psi, less than about 10 psi, less than about 20 psi, less than about 50 psi, less than about 75 psi, less than about 100 psi, less than about 200 psi, less than about 500 psi. In some embodiments, the filter banks are filled with sorbent until the pressure required to pump said suspended sorbent into said device is from about 0.1 psi to about 5 psi, from about 5 psi to about 10 psi, from about 10 psi to about 20 psi, from about 20 psi to about 50 psi, from about 50 psi to about 100 psi, from about 100 psi to about 250 psi, from about 250 psi to about 500 psi, from about 500 psi to about 1000 psi.

[0258] In some embodiments, the filter banks are filled with sorbent until the rate at which the suspended sorbent is pumped into said device is less than about 0.1 %, less than about 1%, less than about 10 %, less than about 50 %, or less than about 75 % of the initial rate at which the suspended sorbent is pumped into said device (when said device is empty). In some embodiments, the filter banks are filled with sorbent until the rate at which the suspended sorbent is pumped into said device is at most about 0.1 %, at most about 1%, at most about 10 %, at most about 50 %, or at most about 75 % of the initial rate at which the suspended sorbent is pumped into said device (when said device is empty). In some embodiments, the filter banks are filled with sorbent until the rate at which the suspended sorbent is pumped into said device is more than about 0.1 %, more than about 1%, more than about 10 %, more than about 50 %, or more than about 75 % of the initial rate at which the suspended sorbent is pumped into said device (when said device is empty). In some embodiments, the filter banks are filled with sorbent until the rate at which the suspended sorbent is pumped into said device is from about 0.01 % to about 0.1 %, from about 0.1 % to about 1%, from about 1% to about 10 %, from aboutWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 10 % to about 50 %, from about 50 % to about 75 % of the initial rate at which the suspended sorbent is pumped into said device (when said device is empty).

[0259] In some embodiments, such a device is constructed by using a series of filter banks wherein the filters contain ion exchange beads. In some embodiments, such a device is constructed where multiple ion-exchange compartments are arranged vertically or horizontally. In some embodiments, such filter banks are separated to load and unloaded the ion exchange beads. In some embodiments, the ion exchange beads are conveyed into the filter banks as a slurry to load the ion exchange beads into the ion exchange vessel. In some embodiments, loading of the ion exchange beads occurs in the same direction, opposite direction, orthogonal direction, or other direction relative the normal direction of flow during the ion exchange process. In some embodiments, the tension holding the filter bank together is increased, decreased, or maintained during the ion exchange process.

[0260] In some embodiments, ion-exchange compartments are added or removed from the vessel by mechanical means, such that the number of ion-exchange compartments are adjusted. In some embodiments, ion-exchange compartments and their components are mechanically separated to clean out, replace, and fill in compartments and partitions between compartments.

[0261] In one embodiment, the ion exchange compartment within each ion-exchange compartment is partially filled with ion exchange beads, such that ion exchange beads freely move within their containing compartment during contacting with fluid. In some embodiments, the ion exchange compartment is filled to its capacity with ion exchange beads, such that ion exchange beads are fixed in place and cannot freely move within the containing compartment during contacting with fluid. In one embodiment, the ion exchange compartment is partially filled, and becomes completely filled by the change in volume of ion exchange beads that occurs when contacting said beads with certain fluids. In some embodiments, the ion exchange compartment is configured such that ion exchange beads enter and leave the ion-exchange compartment conveyed by the fluid which they are contacting, in the top-down or down-top direction. In one embodiment, the ion exchange beads are loaded into and unloaded from said compartments through the top or bottom of the compartments, through the sides, or by mechanically separating and opening the ion-exchange compartment to expose the compartment and subsequently filling said compartment with ion-exchange beads.

[0262] In some embodiments, the typical length of the vessel containing the ion-exchange compartments is less than about 10 cm, less than about 20 cm, less than about 40 cm, less than about 60 cm, less than about 80 cm, less than about 100 cm, less than about 200 cm, less than about 400 cm, less than about 600 cm, less than about 800 cm, less than about 1 m, less thanWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 about 2 m, less than about 4 m, less than about 6 m, less than about 8 m, less than about 10 m, less than about 20 m, less than about 40 m. In some embodiments, the typical length of the vessel containing the ion-exchange compartments is at most about 10 cm, at most about 20 cm, at most about 40 cm, at most about 60 cm, at most about 80 cm, at most about 100 cm, at most about 200 cm, at most about 400 cm, at most about 600 cm, at most about 800 cm, at most about 1 m, at most about 2 m, at most about 4 m, at most about 6 m, at most about 8 m, at most about 10 m, at most about 20 m, at most about 40 m. In some embodiments, the typical length of the said vessel is more than about 10 cm, more than about 20 cm, more than about 40 cm, more than about 60 cm, more than about 80 cm, more than about 100 cm, more than about 200 cm, more than about 400 cm, more than about 600 cm, more than about 800 cm, more than about 1 m, more than about 2 m, more than about 4 m, more than about 6 m, more than about 8 m, more than about 10 m, more than about 20 m, more than about 40 m. In some embodiments, the typical length of said vessel is from about 10 cm to about 20 cm, from about 20 cm to about 40 cm, from about 40 cm to about 80 cm, from about 80 cm to about 2 m from about 1 m to about 4 m, from about 2 m to about 8 m, from about 4 m to about 10 m, from about 6 m to about 20 m, from about 10 m to about 40 m.

[0263] In some embodiments, the devices, vessels, system, and methods described herein utilize a flow distribution compartment to optimize the flow of various liquids, solutions or gases through the devices, vessels, and systems. In some embodiments, the flow distribution compartment is an inner flow distribution compartment and / or outer flow distribution compartment. In one embodiment, the flow distribution compartment and / or ion-exchange bead compartment is empty, partially filled, or fully filled with fluid, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the flow distribution compartment and / or ion-exchange bead compartment are cylindrical, rectangular, irregular, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the flow distribution compartment has a constant cross-sectional area or a varying cross-sectional area.

[0264] In some embodiments, the filter banks comprise one or more flow distribution compartments. In some embodiments, the filter bank comprise two flow distribution compartments. In some embodiments, said flow distribution compartments comprise a flow distribution surface. In some embodiments, said flow distribution compartment comprises inlet orifices, a void, and a permeable partition. In some embodiments, said void is formed between the porous partition and the flow distribution surface.

[0265] In some embodiments, the uniformity of flow across the lithium selective sorbent can be further enhanced by mechanically compressing the sorbent-bed by a deformable flowWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 distribution surface. In some embodiments, this deformable surface optionally comprises a membrane, as described herein. In some embodiments, pressure is applied in a chamber behind the flow distribution surface. In a preferred embodiment, the combination of such mechanical compression with a membrane and the construction of the flow distribution surface enables for most optimal flow distribution across the bed of lithium-selective sorbent, thereby resulting in its optimal performance for ion exchange.

[0266] In some embodiment, said mechanical compression is applied during fluid flow. In some embodiments, said mechanical compression is applied during loading of the sorbent into the filter bank, and is not applied during operation of the device as a lithium extraction device. In some embodiments, said compression is applied during contact with a liquid resource. In some embodiments, said compression is applied during contact with a wash solution. In some embodiments, said compression is applied during contact with an acidic eluent. In some embodiments, said compression is applied at different times, wherein the time between cycles of compression and release is constant, increases with time, decreases with time, varies sinusoidally, is non-uniform, or a combination thereof.

[0267] In some embodiments, the surfaces of filter plates contain surface features to allow for an even distribution of flow of fluid across the filter cloth and into out of the filter bank. One embodiment of said flow distribution surfaces was described above, as shown in Figure 4 by flow distribution surface 40213. In some embodiments, these surface features are shaped as circles, pips, ovals, hexagons, squares, rectangles, rectangular ovals, spheres, grooves, flat surfaces, uneven surfaces, stars, dimples, other geometric shapes, mixtures thereof, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, said features have a protrusion from the surface of less than about 1 mm, less than about 2 mm, less than about 5 mm, less than about 10 mm, less than about 20 mm, less than about 30 mm, less than about 40 mm, less than about 50 mm, less than about 60 mm, less than about 70 mm, less than about 80 mm, less than about 90 mm, less than about 100 mm. In some embodiments, said features have a protrusion from the surface of at most about 1 mm, at most about 2 mm, at most about 5 mm, at most about 10 mm, at most about 20 mm, at most about 30 mm, at most about 40 mm, at most about 50 mm, at most about 60 mm, at most about 70 mm, at most about 80 mm, at most about 90 mm, at most about 100 mm. In some embodiments, said features have a protrusion from the surface of more than about 1 mm, more than about 2 mm, more than about 5 mm, more than about 10 mm, more than about 20 mm, more than about 30 mm, more than about 40 mm, more than about 50 mm, more than about 60 mm, more than about 70 mm, more than about 80 mm, more than about 90 mm, more than about 100 mm. In some embodiments, said features have aWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 protrusion from the surface of about 1 mm to about 2 mm, from about 2 mm to about 4 mm, from about 4 mm to about 10 mm, from about 10 mm to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, said features have a length of less than about 1 cm, less than about 2 cm, less than about 5 cm, less than about 10 cm, less than about 20 cm, less than about 30 cm, less than about 40 cm, less than about 50 cm, less than about 60 cm, less than about 70 cm, less than about 80 cm, less than about 90 cm, less than about 100 cm, less than about 200 cm, less than about 500 cm, less than about 10 m. In some embodiments, said features have a length of at most about 1 cm, at most about 2 cm, at most about 5 cm, at most about 10 cm, at most about 20 cm, at most about 30 cm, at most about 40 cm, at most about 50 cm, at most about 60 cm, at most about 70 cm, at most about 80 cm, at most about 90 cm, at most about 100 cm, at most about 200 cm, at most about 500 cm, at most about 10 m. In some embodiments, said features have a length of more than about 1 cm, more than about 2 cm, more than about 5 cm, more than about 10 cm, more than about 20 cm, more than about 30 cm, more than about 40 cm, more than about 50 cm, more than about 60 cm, more than about 70 cm, more than about 80 cm, more than about 90 cm, more than about 100 cm, more than about 200 cm, more than about 500 cm, more than about 10 m. In some embodiments, said features have a length of about 1 cm to about 2 cm, from about 2 cm to about 4 cm, from about 4 cm to about 10 cm, from about 10 cm to about 20 cm, from about 20 cm to about 50 cm, from about 50 cm to about 100 cm, from about 100 cm to about 200 cm, from about 200 cm to about 10 m.

[0268] In some embodiments, the shape of said flow distribution surface conforms to the shape of the filter bank. In some embodiments, the shape of said flow distribution surface conforms to the shape of the porous partition. In some embodiments, the shape of said flow distribution surface conforms to the shape of the sorbent cake or bed.

[0269] In some embodiments, the filter plates comprise structural supports, fasteners, beams, adhesives, compression fittings, gaskets or other structural components for fastening of all components of the filter bank. In some embodiments, the filter plates comprise pipes, tubes, conduits, conducts, and orifices that direct flow into individual filter banks.

[0270] In some embodiments, the filter press is constructed to facilitate the flow of a liquid through the filter bank. In some embodiments, such a liquid flow is enabled by the construction of the filter bank. In some embodiments, the filter plates are constructed to facilitate their manufacturing, while enabling facile assembly into a filter press comprising multiple filter banks. One

[0271] In some embodiments, the fluid conduits that deliver and remove fluid flow to and from the flow distribution compartments, chambers, and surfaces described above, areWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 configured to uniformly distribute flow across the bed of lithium selective sorbent. In some embodiments, said fluid conduits comprise orifices.

[0272] In some embodiments, the fluid flown in this manner is a liquid resource comprising lithium, such that the lithium-selective sorbent absorbs lithium from said liquid resource. In some embodiments, the fluid flown in this manner is a wash solution comprising water, such that entrained fluids are removed from the bed of lithium-selective sorbent. In some embodiments, the lithium selective sorbent is an ion exchange material and the fluid flown in this manner is an acidic eluent solution comprising protons, such that the lithium selective sorbent releases lithium while absorbing protons. In some embodiments, the fluid flown in this manner is water, such that the lithium selective sorbent releases lithium. In some embodiments, the flows described herein are alternated through the same ion exchange material that is held within the filter bank.

[0273] In some embodiments, the fluid flown is a liquid. In some embodiments, the flow rate of fluid through the bed of lithium selective sorbent in one filter bank is less than about 1 mL / min, less than about 10 mL / min, less than about 100 mL / min, less than about 1 L / min, less than about 10 L / min, less than about 100 L / min, less than about 1,000 L / min, less than about 10,000 L / min. In some embodiments, the flow rate of fluid through the bed of lithium selective sorbent in one filter bank is at most about 1 mL / min, at most about 10 mL / min, at most about 100 mL / min, at most about 1 L / min, at most about 10 L / min, at most about 100 L / min, at most about 1,000 L / min, at most about 10,000 L / min. In some embodiments, the flow rate of fluid through the bed of lithium selective sorbent in one filter bank is more than about 1 mL / min, more than about 10 mL / min, more than about 100 mL / min, more than about 1 L / min, more than about 10 L / min, more than about 100 L / min, more than about 1,000 L / min, more than about 10,000 L / min. In some embodiments, the flow rate of fluid through the bed of lithium selective sorbent in one filter bank is from about 1 mL / min to about 10 mL / min, from about 10 mL / min to about 100 mL / min, from about 100 mL / min to about 1 L / min, from about 1 L / min to about 10 L / min, from about 10 L / min to about 100 L / min, from about 100 L / min to about 1,000 L / min, from about 1,000 L / min to about 10,000 L / min.

[0274] In some embodiments, the fluid flown is a liquid. In some embodiments, the ratio of volume of lithium-selective sorbent to flow rate of fluid through the bed of lithium selective sorbent, which has units of time, indicates the characteristic contact time of fluid with the bed of lithium selective sorbent. In some embodiments, said characteristic contact time is less than about 1 second, less than about 10 seconds, less than about 1 minute, less than about 5 minutes, less than about 10 minutes, less than about 1 hours, less than about 10 hours, less than about 1WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 day. In some embodiments, said characteristic contact time is at most about 1 second, at most about 10 seconds, at most about 1 minute, at most about 5 minutes, at most about 10 minutes, at most about 1 hours, at most about 10 hours, at most about 1 day. In some embodiments, said characteristic contact time is more than about 1 second, more than about 10 seconds, more than about 1 minute, more than about 5 minutes, more than about 10 minutes, more than about 1 hours, more than about 10 hours, more than about 1 day. In some embodiments, said characteristic contact time is from about 0.1 second to about 1 second, from about 1 second to about 10 seconds, from about 10 seconds to about 1 minute, from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes, from about 5 minutes to about 10 minutes, from about 10 minutes to about 1 hours, from about 1 hours to about 10 hours, from about 1 hours to about 1 day.

[0275] In some embodiments, the fluid flown is a liquid. In some embodiments, the ratio of volume of flow rate of fluid through the bed to the surface area of the bed, which has units of length per time, indicates the characteristic flux of fluid through the bed of lithium selective sorbent. In some embodiments, said characteristic flux is less than about 1 mm / min, less than 1 cm / min, less than about 10 cm / min, less than about 1 m / min, less than about 10 m / min, less than about 100 m / min. In some embodiments, said characteristic flux is at most about 1 mm / min, at most 1 cm / min, at most about 10 cm / min, at most about 1 m / min, at most about 10 m / min, at most about 100 m / min. In some embodiments, the flow rate of fluid through the bed of lithium selective sorbent in one filter bank is more than about 1 mm / min, more than 1 cm / min, more than about 10 cm / min, more than about 1 m / min, more than about 10 m / min, more than about 100 m / min. In some embodiments, the flow rate of fluid through the bed of lithium selective sorbent in one filter bank is from about 0.1 mm / min to about 1 mm / min, from about 1 mm / min to about 1 cm / min, from about 1 cm / min to about 10 cm / min, from about 10 cm / min to about 1 m / min, from about 1 m / min to about 10 m / min, from about 10 m / min to about 100 m / min.

[0276] In some embodiments, the fluid flown is a gas. In some embodiments, said gas is air, nitrogen, argon, or a different gas. In some embodiments, the flow rate of fluid through the bed of lithium selective sorbent in one filter bank is less than about 1 mL / min, less than about 10 mL / min, less than about 100 mL / min, less than about 1 L / min, less than about 10 L / min, less than about 100 L / min, less than about 1,000 L / min, less than about 10,000 L / min. In some embodiments, the flow rate of fluid through the bed of lithium selective sorbent in one filter bank is at most about 1 mL / min, at most about 10 mL / min, at most about 100 mL / min, at most about 1 L / min, at most about 10 L / min, at most about 100 L / min, at most about 1,000 L / min, at most about 10,000 L / min. In some embodiments, the flow rate of fluid through the bed ofWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 lithium selective sorbent in one filter bank is more than about 1 mL / min, more than about 10 mL / min, more than about 100 mL / min, more than about 1 L / min, more than about 10 L / min, more than about 100 L / min, more than about 1,000 L / min, more than about 10,000 L / min. In some embodiments, the flow rate of fluid through the bed of lithium selective sorbent in one filter bank is from about 1 mL / min to about 10 mL / min, from about 10 mL / min to about 100 mL / min, from about 100 mL / min to about 1 L / min, from about 1 L / min to about 10 L / min, from about 10 L / min to about 100 L / min, from about 100 L / min to about 1,000 L / min, from about 1,000 L / min to about 10,000 L / min.

[0277] In some embodiments, the fluid flown is a gas. In some embodiments, said gas is air, nitrogen, argon, or a different gas. In some embodiments, the ratio of volume of lithium- selective sorbent to flow rate of fluid through the bed of lithium selective sorbent, which has units of time, indicates the characteristic contact time of fluid with the bed of lithium selective sorbent. In some embodiments, said characteristic contact time is less than about 1 second, less than about 10 seconds, less than about 1 minute, less than about 5 minutes, less than about 10 minutes, less than about 1 hours, less than about 10 hours, less than about 1 day. In some embodiments, said characteristic contact time is at most about 1 second, at most about 10 seconds, at most about 1 minute, at most about 5 minutes, at most about 10 minutes, at most about 1 hours, at most about 10 hours, at most about 1 day. In some embodiments, said characteristic contact time is more than about 1 second, more than about 10 seconds, more than about 1 minute, more than about 5 minutes, more than about 10 minutes, more than about 1 hours, more than about 10 hours, more than about 1 day. In some embodiments, said characteristic contact time is from about 0.1 second to about 1 second, from about 1 second to about 10 seconds, from about 10 seconds to about 1 minute, from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes, from about 5 minutes to about 10 minutes, from about 10 minutes to about 1 hours, from about 1 hours to about 10 hours, from about 1 hours to about 1 day.

[0278] In some embodiments, the fluid flown is a gas. In some embodiments, said gas is air, nitrogen, argon, or a different gas. In some embodiments, the ratio of volume of flow rate of fluid through the bed to the surface area of the bed, which has units of length per time, indicates the characteristic flux of fluid through the bed of lithium selective sorbent. In some embodiments, said characteristic flux is less than about 1 mm / min, less than 1 cm / min, less than about 10 cm / min, less than about 1 m / min, less than about 10 m / min, less than about 100 m / min. In some embodiments, said characteristic flux is at most about 1 mm / min, at most 1 cm / min, at most about 10 cm / min, at most about 1 m / min, at most about 10 m / min, at most about 100 m / min. In some embodiments, the flow rate of fluid through the bed of lithiumWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 selective sorbent in one filter bank is more than about 1 mm / min, more than 1 cm / min, more than about 10 cm / min, more than about 1 m / min, more than about 10 m / min, more than about 100 m / min. In some embodiments, the flow rate of fluid through the bed of lithium selective sorbent in one filter bank is from about 0.1 mm / min to about 1 mm / min, from about 1 mm / min to about 1 cm / min, from about 1 cm / min to about 10 cm / min, from about 10 cm / min to about 1 m / min, from about 1 m / min to about 10 m / min, from about 10 m / min to about 100 m / min.

[0279] In some embodiments, the pressure applied to flow said fluid across the ion- exchange bed is less than 5 psi, less than 25 psi, less than 50 psi, less than 100 psi, less than 150 psi, less than 250 psi, or less than 500 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to flow said fluid across the ion-exchange bed is at most 5 psi, at most 25 psi, at most 50 psi, at most 100 psi, at most 150 psi, at most 250 psi, or at most 500 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to flow said fluid across the ion-exchange bed is more than 5 psi, more than 25 psi, more than 50 psi, more than 100 psi, more than 150 psi, more than 250 psi, or more than 500 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to flow said fluid across the ion- exchange bed is from about 1 psi to about 5 psi, from about 5 psi to about 25 psi, from about 25 psi to about 50 psi, from about 50 psi to about 100 psi, from about 100 psi to about 150 psi, from about 150 psi to about 250 psi, from about 250 psi to about 500 psi.

[0280] In some embodiments, the filter press comprises multiple filter banks. In some embodiments, when operation of the device is complete, filter plates are separated such that an individual filter bank is exposed, thereby allowing the sorbent contained in said filter bank to fall of said filter bank by gravity. In some embodiments, this discharges the lithium-selective sorbents contained in said device. In some embodiments, such a separation requires for the pressure holding the stack of filter plates together to be released. In some embodiments, once this pressure is released, an operator physically separates each plate from the next. In some embodiments, once this pressure is released, an automated system physically separates all plates simultaneously. In some embodiments, once this pressure is released, an operator positions an automated system that separates one plate at a time.

[0281] In some embodiments, a solid receiving device is position below the lithium- extraction device, such that said device contains the discharged material, and such that said discharged material can be subsequently conveyed away. In some embodiments, said solids receiving device is a tray, a hopper, a fork liftable hopper. In some embodiments, said discharged material are received by a drip tray, which is fitted with a motor to open downwards, thereby allowing said solids to be discharged to a second system. In some embodiments, a conveyor belt is positioned below the filter press, such that the solids can beWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 automatically removed and conveyed away after discharge. In some embodiments, the filter press is positioned above a tank, such that the solids can fall directly into said tank after discharge. In some embodiments, the filter press is positioned above an agitated tank. In some embodiments, the filter press is positioned above a tank containing a liquid resource comprising lithium, such that the discharged lithium-selective sorbent absorbs lithium when discharged from the device into the tank. In some embodiments, the filter press is positioned above a tank containing an acidic eluent, such that the discharged lithium-selective sorbent releases lithium when discharged from the device into the tank. In some embodiments, the filter press is positioned above a tank containing a wash solution, such that the discharged lithium-selective sorbent is washed when discharged from the device.

[0282] In some embodiments, the solid sorbent is discharged from the device about once per year, about once per month, about once per week, about once per day, about twice per day, about three times per day, about one time per hour, about twice per hour, or about five times per hour. In some embodiments, the lithium-selective sorbent is discharged in coordination with the lithium extraction process. In some embodiments, the lithium-selective sorbent is discharged after it has contacted a liquid resource containing lithium. In some embodiments, the lithium-selective sorbent is discharged after it is saturated with lithium, having contacted a liquid resource containing lithium. In some embodiments, the lithium-selective sorbent is discharged after a certain amount of contact time with a lithium containing liquid resource. In some embodiments, the lithium-selective sorbent is discharged after it has contacted a wash solution. In some embodiments, the lithium-selective sorbent is discharged after it has contacted an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, said aqueous solution releases the lithium contained in said lithium selective sorbent. In some embodiments, the lithium-selective sorbent is discharged after it has contacted an acidic eluent solution, such that lithium from said sorbent has been released.

[0283] In some embodiments, the filter press is filled with a lithium selective sorbent. In some embodiments, the volume of sorbent that is contained within said device is less than about 1 mL, less than about 10 mL, less than about 100 mL, less than about 1 L, less than about 10 L, less than about 100 L, less than about 1 cubic meter, less than about 10 cubic meters, less than about 100 cubic meters, less than about 1,000 cubic meters, or less than about 10,000 cubic meters. In some embodiments, the volume of sorbent that is contained within said device is at most about 1 mL, at most about 10 mL, at most about 100 mL, at most about 1 L, at most about 10 L, at most about 100 L, at most about 1 cubic meter, at most about 10 cubic meters, at most about 100 cubic meters, at most about 1,000 cubic meters, or at most aboutWSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 10,000 cubic meters. In some embodiments, the volume of sorbent that is contained within said device is more than about 1 mL, more than about 10 mL, more than about 100 mL, more than about 1 L, more than about 10 L, more than about 100 L, more than about 1 cubic meter, more than about 10 cubic meters, more than about 100 cubic meters, more than about 1,000 cubic meters, or more than about 10,000 cubic meters. In some embodiments, the volume of sorbent that is contained within said device is from about 0.1 mL to about 1 mL, from about 1 mL to about 10 mL, from about 10 mL to about 100 mL, from about 100 mL to about 1 L, from about 1 L to about 10 L, from about 10 L to about 100 L, from about 100 L to about 1 cubic meter, from about 1 cubic meter to about 10 cubic meters, from about 10 cubic meters to about 100 cubic meters, from about 100 cubic meters to about 1,000 cubic meters, or from about 1,000 cubic meters to about 10,000 cubic meters.

[0284] In some embodiments, the amount of lithium-selective sorbent that can be contained said device can be adjusted by positioning a “back up plate” device. In some embodiments, said “back up plate” device comprises a plate that is connected to the rest of the piping in the lithium extraction device on only one side, and is not connected to the pipe that conveys the lithium selective sorbent into the device. In some embodiments, the effect of this “back up plate” is to not allow any solids of fluid flow to filters located beyond the back up late. In some embodiments, this splits the filter press into two sections, one with fluid connection, and another without, such that only a section of the filter press is being used. In some embodiments, this constitutes a method to adjust the total volume of solids that are contained within the filter press, while using the same device.

[0285] In some embodiments, said backup plate splits the filter press into two sections. In some embodiments, when said filter press has process connections from both sides, a backup plate can be positions such that two sides of the same press can be used for independent fluid flows. In some embodiments, this allows two sections of the filter press to be configured to be in different stages of the ion-exchange process simultaneously. In some embodiments, this allows for lower down-time and higher lithium productivity of the ion exchange device. In some embodiments, one or more dividing plates are positioned within the device, wherein said dividing plate is constructed such that fluid that exits from one section of the filter press is sent to the inlet of a subsequent section of the filter press. In some embodiments, one such plate is present in the filter press. In some embodiments, two or more sch plates are present in the filter press.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 Embodiments comprising a vertical pressure filter

[0286] An aspect of the disclosure herein is a device for lithium extraction from a liquid resource, wherein said device comprises one or more filter banks containing a lithium-selective sorbent. In some embodiments, said lithium extraction comprises a vertical pressure filter. In some embodiments, said vertical pressure filter comprises multiple filter banks, or filter plates, which are mechanically held together to form a vertical stack. A vertical pressure filter is a filtration device known in the field of filtration and solids-liquid separation. An aspect of the disclosure herein is the use of a vertical pressure filter to extract lithium, wherein said vertical pressure filter is filled with a lithium-selective sorbent, and said sorbent is contacted with a liquid resource comprising lithium in said filter press. In some embodiments, said sorbent is an ion-exchange material.

[0287] In some embodiments, a vertical pressure filter comprises multiple filter plates or filter trays, wherein each filter plate or filter trays comprises a filter bank. As used herein, in the context of a vertical pressure filter, the term “filter bank”, “filter plate”, and “filter tray” are used interchangeably. In some embodiments, each filter bank comprises a compartment containing a lithium-selective sorbent, wherein said compartment is contained within porous partitions. In some embodiments, said compartment contains a bed or cake of said sorbent. In some embodiments, said filter bank contains pipes, shapes, tubes, hoses and flow paths that connect said sorbent-containing compartment to a fluid distribution manifold that the delivers flow to and form said sorbent. In some embodiments, a porous partitions are located at the bottom of the filter bank. In some embodiments, more than two such partitions are located within a filter bank. In some embodiments, said porous partition is a mesh, cloth, other woven material, a screen, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, said porous partition is attached a mechanical device, plate, flow distributor, or scaffolding. Recirculating Batch System

[0288] In an embodiment of the system, the ion exchange material is loaded in a column. In an embodiment of the system, the pH modulating setup is connected to the column loaded with the ion exchange material. In an embodiment of the system, the pH modulating setup comprises one or more tanks.

[0289] In some embodiments of the systems described herein, the ion exchange material is loaded in a vessel. In some embodiments, the pH modulating setup is in fluid communication with the vessel loaded with the ion ex...

Claims

WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for lithium recovery from a liquid resource, the method comprising: a) forming an eluent solution by dissolving a gas in an aqueous solution at a pressure of about 0 to 50 barg, wherein the pH of the eluent solution is at most 7 following dissolution of the gas; b) contacting an ion exchange material to a liquid resource, wherein the ion exchange material absorbs lithium ions from the liquid resource to yield a lithium-depleted liquid resource and a lithiated ion exchange material; c) contacting the lithiated ion exchange material to the eluent solution, wherein the lithiated ion exchange material releases lithium into the eluent solution to generate a synthetic lithium solution; and d) separating the synthetic lithium solution from the ion exchange material.

2. A method for lithium recovery from a liquid resource, the method comprising: a) forming an eluent solution by dissolving a gas in an aqueous solution at a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure, wherein the pH of the eluent solution is from about 3 to 5 following dissolution of the gas; b) contacting an ion exchange material to a liquid resource, wherein the ion exchange material absorbs lithium ions from the liquid resource to yield a lithium-depleted liquid resource and a lithiated ion exchange material; c) contacting the lithiated ion exchange material to the eluent solution, wherein the lithiated ion exchange material releases lithium into the eluent solution to generate a synthetic lithium solution; and d) separating the synthetic lithium solution from the ion exchange material.

3. A method for lithium recovery from a liquid resource, the method comprising: a) forming an eluent solution by dissolving a gas in an aqueous solution at a pressure exceeding 0 barg, wherein the pH of the eluent solution is at most 7 following dissolution of the gas; b) contacting an ion exchange material to a liquid resource, wherein the ion exchange material absorbs lithium ions from the liquid resource to yield a lithium-depleted liquid resource and a lithiated ion exchange material;WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 c) contacting the lithiated ion exchange material to the eluent solution, wherein the lithiated ion exchange material releases lithium into the eluent solution to generate a synthetic lithium solution with a concentration of lithium at least about 1 mg / L; and d) separating the synthetic lithium solution from the ion exchange material.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the concentration of lithium in the synthetic lithium solution generated in c) is at least about 5 mg / L, at least about 10 mg / L, or at least about 25 mg / L.

5. The method of claim 3 or 4, wherein the concentration of lithium in the synthetic lithium solution generated in c) is at most about 50 mg / L, at most about 100 mg / L, at most about 250 mg / L, at most about 500 mg / L, or at most about 1000 mg / L.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the gas is selected from CO2, SO2, NO, and NO2.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the gas is CO2.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein said ion exchange material comprises LiFePO4, LiMnPO4, Li2TiO3, Li2MnO3, Li2SnO3, Li4Ti5O12, Li4Mn5O12, LiMn2O4, Li1.6Mn1.6O4, LiAlO2, LiCuO2, LiTiO2, Li4TiO4, Li7Ti11O24, Li3VO4, Li2Si3O7, Li2CuP2O7, modifications thereof, solid solutions thereof, or a combination thereof.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said ion exchange material comprises LiFePO4, LiMnPO4, Li2TiO3, Li2MnO3, Li2SnO3, Li4Ti5O12, Li4Mn5O12, LiMn2O4, LiAlO2, LiCuO2, LiTiO2, Li4TiO4, Li7Ti11O24, Li3VO4, Li2Si3O7, Li2CuP2O7, modifications thereof, solid solutions thereof, or a combination thereof.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein said ion exchange material comprises Li4Ti5O12, Li4Mn5O12, LiMn2O4, Li1.6Mn1.6O4, LiTiO2, Li4TiO4, Li7Ti11O24, or a combination thereof.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein said ion exchange material comprises Li4Ti5O12, Li4Mn5O12, LiMn2O4, LiTiO2, Li4TiO4, Li7Ti11O24, or a combination thereof.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the ion exchange material or the lithiated ion exchange material is in the form of porous ion exchange beads comprising the ion exchange material and a matrix material.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the diameter of the porous ion exchange beads is at most 1 cm.

14. The method of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the ion exchange material comprises coated ion exchange particles comprising particles of the ion exchange material and a coating material; wherein the coating material comprises a carbide, a nitride, an oxide, a phosphate, a fluoride, a polymer, carbon, a carbonaceous material, or combinations thereof.

15. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the ion exchange material or the lithiated ion exchange material has an average particle size of about 1 micron to about 100 microns.

16. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the pH of the eluent solution is at most about 6, at most about 5, or at most about 4.

17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the pH of the eluent solution is greater than about 1, greater than about 2, or greater than about 3.

18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the eluent solution is formed by dissolving the gas in the aqueous solution until the concentration of the gas dissolved in the aqueous solution is about the saturation concentration of the gas in the aqueous solution.

19. The method of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the concentration of the gas in the eluent solution is maintained at or below the saturation concentration of the gas in the aqueous solution.

20. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the aqueous solution comprises water or a mixture of an alcohol and water.

21. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the aqueous solution comprises water or a mixture of a carboxylic acid and water.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 22. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the aqueous solution comprises water.

23. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises a mineral salt.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the mineral salt comprises calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, or a combination thereof.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24, wherein the mineral salt comprises sulfate, chloride, or a combination thereof.

26. The method of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the mineral salt comprises sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, or a combination thereof.

27. The method of any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the concentration of the mineral salt in the aqueous solution is from about 0.001 to about 10 M.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the concentration of the mineral salt in the aqueous solution is from about 0.1 to about 2 M.

29. The method of any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the inclusion of the mineral salt in the aqueous solution increases the concentration of the gas dissolved in the eluent solution, thereby decreasing the pH of the eluent solution as compared to an eluent solution formed from an aqueous solution not comprising the mineral salt.

30. The method of any one of claims 7 to 29, wherein the conversion of dissolved carbon dioxide in the eluent solution to lithium bicarbonate in the synthetic lithium solution ranges from about 0.001% to about 99%.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the conversion of dissolved carbon dioxide in the eluent solution to lithium bicarbonate in the synthetic lithium solution ranges from about 0.1% to about 5%.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 32. The method of any one of claims 7 to 31, wherein the molar ratio of lithium to dissolved carbon dioxide in the synthetic lithium solution ranges from about 1:1 to about 1:10,000.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the molar ratio of lithium to dissolved carbon dioxide in the synthetic lithium solution ranges from about 1:100 to about 1:5,000.

34. The method of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein elution of lithium from the lithiated ion exchange material continues effectively while the pH value of the synthetic lithium solution remains within a range of about 1.0 to about 8.

0.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein at a critical pH of at most 5.0, the concentration of lithium is at least 50 mg / L.

36. The method of claim 34 or 35, wherein the pressure of the eluent or synthetic lithium solution is adjusted to modify the maximum achievable lithium concentration at the critical pH value.

37. The method of claim 35 or 36, wherein the pH of the synthetic solution is maintained at about the critical pH or below the critical pH by actively modulating the temperature of the eluant solution, the pressure of the eluant solution, or a combination thereof.

38. The method of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the eluent solution is formed at a temperature of about 1 to about 25 degrees Celsius and at a pressure of about 0 barg to about 50 barg.

39. The method of any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein c) is carried out at a temperature of about 1 to about 25 degrees Celsius and at a pressure of about 0 barg to about 50 barg.

40. The method of any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein during c) the lithiated ion exchange material releases at least 8%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the lithium contained in the lithiated ion exchange material into the eluent solution.

41. The method of any one of claims 1 to 40, further comprising processing the synthetic lithium solution to provide a lithium chemical.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the lithium chemical comprises lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, lithium sulfate, lithium sulfite, lithium bisulfate, lithium bisulfite, lithium nitrate, lithium nitrite, or a combination thereof.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein the lithium chemical comprises lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, or a combination thereof.

44. The method of claim 41, wherein the lithium chemical comprises lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide.

45. The method of any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein processing the synthetic lithium solution comprises removal of impurities from the synthetic lithium solution, electrolysis of the synthetic lithium solution, concentration of the synthetic lithium solution, removal of carbonates from the synthetic lithium solution, heating of the synthetic lithium solution, cooling of the synthetic lithium solution, or a combination thereof.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein concentration of the synthetic lithium solution comprises contacting the synthetic lithium solution to a reverse osmosis membrane, thereby concentrating the synthetic lithium solution and generating a permeate solution and a concentrated synthetic lithium solution.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein processing the synthetic lithium solution further comprises removal of impurities from the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, electrolysis of the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, further concentration of the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, removal of carbonates from the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, heating of the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, cooling of the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, or a combination thereof.

48. The method of any one of claims 45 to 47, wherein electrolysis of the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution generates lithium hydroxide in the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution and further provides a salt-depleted solution.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 49. The method of any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein the salt-depleted solution, the permeate solution, or both independently comprise at least a portion of the water and at least a portion of the gas present in the eluent solution.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the salt-depleted solution, the permeate solution, or both are recycled, such that the eluent solution comprises at least a portion of the water in the salt- depleted solution, the permeate solution, or both.

51. The method of any one of claims 45 to 50, wherein removal of impurities from the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution comprises precipitating magnesium carbonate solids, calcium carbonate solids, or a combination thereof from the synthetic lithium solution followed by separation of the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution therefrom.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein precipitating magnesium carbonate solids, calcium carbonate solids, or a combination thereof from the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution comprises adding hydroxide to the synthetic lithium solution.

53. The method of claim 51 or 52, wherein precipitating magnesium carbonate solids, calcium carbonate solids, or a combination thereof from the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution comprises adjusting the pressure of the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution.

54. The method of any one of claims 45 to 51, wherein removal of impurities from the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution comprises adjusting the pressure of the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution thereby causing precipitation or crystallization of an impurity in the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, followed by separation of the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution from the precipitated or crystallized impurity to provide a purified lithium solution.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 55. The method of claim 54, wherein altering the pressure, the temperature, or both the temperature and the pressure of the purified lithium solution causes precipitation or crystallization of the lithium chemical.

56. The method of claim 54 or 55, wherein altering the pH of the purified lithium solution causes precipitation or crystallization of the lithium chemical.

57. The method of claim 55 or 56, wherein the lithium chemical is lithium carbonate.

58. The method of any one of claims 45 to 57, wherein removal of impurities from the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution comprises contacting the synthetic lithium solution to a multivalent cation selective ion exchange material.

59. The method of any one of claims 45 to 58, further comprising passing the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution through a nanofiltration membrane.

60. The method of any one of claims 45 to 59, wherein heating the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution causes precipitation or crystallization of the lithium chemical.

61. The method of any one of claims 45 to 59, wherein concentration of the synthetic lithium solution, cooling of the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, or a combination thereof causes precipitation or crystallization of the lithium chemical.

62. The method of any of the claims 55 to 61, wherein the lithium chemical is separated from the liquid from which it was crystallized, yielding a mother liquor, and wherein said mother liquor is further processed by the method of any one of claims 41 to 61 to provide an additional quantity of the lithium chemical.

63. The method of any one of claims 1 to 62, wherein the liquid resource is selected from the following list: a natural brine, a dissolved salt flat, a geothermal brine, seawater, concentrated seawater, desalination effluent, a concentrated brine, a processed brine, liquid from an ion exchange process, liquid from a solvent extraction process, a synthetic brine,WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 leachate from ores, leachate from minerals, leachate from clays, leachate from recycled products, leachate from recycled materials, or combinations thereof.

64. A system for lithium recovery, the system comprising: a) a first subsystem configured to: i. contact a lithiated ion exchange material to an eluent solution; wherein the lithiated ion exchange material releases lithium into the eluent solution to generate a synthetic lithium solution and an ion exchange material; and ii. retain the ion exchange material within the first subsystem when the synthetic lithium solution is separated from the ion exchange material and exits the first subsystem; and b) a second subsystem configured to form the eluent solution by dissolving a gas in an aqueous solution; wherein the pH of the eluent solution is at most about 7.

65. The system of claim 64, wherein the pH of the eluent solution is at most about 6 at most about 5, or at most about 4.

66. The system of claim 64 or 65, wherein the pH of the eluent solution is at least about 1, at least about 2, or at least about 3.

67. The system of any one of claims 64 to 66, wherein the first subsystem comprises a tank, a column, a vessel, a particle trap, a filter, a filter press, or a combination thereof.

68. The system of any one of claims 64 to 67, wherein the first subsystem, the second subsystem, or a combination thereof is configured to operate at an internal temperature of about 1 to about 25 degrees Celsius and at an internal pressure of about 0 barg to about 50 barg.

69. The system of any one of claims 64 to 68, wherein the gas is selected from CO2, SO2, NO, and NO2.

70. The system of claim 69, wherein the gas is CO2.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 71. The system of any one of claims 64 to 70, wherein the aqueous solution comprises water or a mixture of an alcohol and water.

72. The system of any one of claims 64 to 70, wherein the aqueous solution comprises water or a mixture of a carboxylic acid and water.

73. The system of any one of claims 64 to 70, wherein the aqueous solution comprises water.

74. The system of any one of claims 71 to 73, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises a mineral salt.

75. The system of claim 74, wherein the mineral salt comprises magnesium, potassium, sodium, or a combination thereof.

76. The system of claim 74 or 75, wherein the mineral salt comprises sulfate, chloride, or a combination thereof.

77. The system of any one of claims 74 to 76, wherein the mineral salt comprises sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, or a combination thereof.

78. The system of any one of claims 74 to 77, wherein the concentration of the mineral salt in the aqueous solution is from about 0.001 to about 10 M.

79. The system of claim 78, wherein the concentration of the mineral salt in the aqueous solution is from about 0.1 to about 2 M.

80. The system of any one of claims 74 to 79, wherein the inclusion of the mineral salt in the aqueous solution increases the concentration of the gas dissolved in the eluent solution, thereby decreasing the pH of the eluent solution as compared to an eluent solution formed from an aqueous solution not comprising the mineral salt.

81. The system of any one of claims 70 to 80, wherein the conversion of dissolved carbon dioxide in the eluent solution to lithium bicarbonate in the synthetic lithium solution ranges from about 0.001% to about 99%.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 82. The system of claim 81, wherein the conversion of dissolved carbon dioxide in the eluent solution to lithium bicarbonate in the synthetic lithium solution ranges from about 0.1% to about 5%.

83. The system of any one of claims 70 to 82, wherein the molar ratio of lithium to dissolved carbon dioxide in the synthetic lithium solution ranges from about 1:1 to about 1:10,000.

84. The system of claim 83, wherein the molar ratio of lithium to dissolved carbon dioxide in the synthetic lithium solution ranges from about 1:100 to about 1:5,000.

85. The system of any one of claims 64 to 84, wherein elution of lithium from the lithiated ion exchange material continues effectively while the pH value of the synthetic lithium solution remains within a range of about 1.0 to about 8.

0.

86. The system of claim 85, wherein at a critical pH of at most 5.0, the concentration of lithium is at least 50 mg / L.

87. The system of claim 85 or 86, wherein the pressure of the eluent or synthetic lithium solution is adjusted by the system to modify the maximum achievable lithium concentration at the critical pH value.

88. The system of claim 86 or 87, wherein the system is configured to maintain the pH of the synthetic solution at about the critical pH or below the critical pH by actively modulating the temperature of the eluant solution, the pressure of the eluant solution, or a combination thereof.

89. The system of any one of claims 64 to 88, wherein the system is configured such that the lithiated ion exchange material releases at least 8%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the lithium contained in the lithiated ion exchange material into the eluent solution.

90. The system of any one of claims 64 to 89, wherein the first subsystem is further configured to:WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 iii. contact an ion exchange material to a liquid resource; wherein the ion exchange material absorbs lithium from a liquid resource to generate the lithiated ion exchange material and a lithium-depleted liquid resource; and iv. retain the lithiated ion exchange material within the first subsystem when the lithium-depleted liquid resource is separated from the lithiated ion exchange material and exits the first subsystem.

91. The system of claim 90, wherein the liquid resource is selected from the following list: a natural brine, a dissolved salt flat, a geothermal brine, seawater, concentrated seawater, desalination effluent, a concentrated brine, a processed brine, liquid from an ion exchange process, liquid from a solvent extraction process, a synthetic brine, leachate from ores, leachate from minerals, leachate from clays, leachate from recycled products, leachate from recycled materials, or combinations thereof.

92. The system of any one of claims 64 to 91, wherein the second subsystem is configured to dissolve the gas in the aqueous solution until the concentration of the gas dissolved in the aqueous solution is about the saturation concentration of the gas in the aqueous solution.

93. The system of any one of claims 64 to 92, wherein the system is configured to maintain the concentration of the gas in the eluent solution, the synthetic lithium solution, or a combination thereof at about the saturation concentration of the gas in the eluent solution, the synthetic lithium solution, or the combination thereof.

94. The system of any one of claims 64 to 93, further comprising: c) a third subsystem configured to process the synthetic lithium solution to provide a lithium chemical.

95. The system of claim 94, wherein the lithium chemical comprises lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, lithium sulfate, lithium sulfite, lithium bisulfate, lithium bisulfite, lithium nitrate, lithium nitrite, or a combination thereof.

96. The system of claim 95, wherein the lithium chemical comprises lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, or a combination thereof.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 97. The system of claim 95, wherein the lithium chemical comprises lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide.

98. The system of any one of claims 94 to 97, wherein the third subsystem is configured to process the synthetic lithium solution by removal of impurities from the synthetic lithium solution, electrolysis of the synthetic lithium solution, concentration of the synthetic lithium solution, removal of carbonates from the synthetic lithium solution, heating of the synthetic lithium solution, cooling of the synthetic lithium solution, or a combination thereof.

99. The system of claim 98, wherein the third subsystem is configured for concentration of the synthetic lithium solution by contacting the synthetic lithium solution to a reverse osmosis membrane, thereby concentrating the synthetic lithium solution and generating a permeate solution and a concentrated synthetic lithium solution.

100. The system of claim 99, wherein the third subsystem is further configured to process the concentrated synthetic lithium solution by removal of impurities from the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, electrolysis of the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, removal of carbonates from the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, heating of the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, cooling of the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, or a combination thereof.

101. The system of any one of claims 98 to 100, wherein the third subsystem is configured for electrolysis of the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution to generate lithium hydroxide in the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium and further provide a salt-depleted solution.

102. The system of claim 101, wherein the third subsystem comprises a two-compartment bipolar membrane electrodialysis system.

103. The system of any one of claims 99 to 102, wherein the salt-depleted solution, the permeate solution, or both independently comprise at least a portion of the water present in the eluent solution.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 104. The system of claim 103, wherein the system is configured to recycle the salt-depleted solution, the permeate solution, or both, such that the eluent solution comprises at least a portion of the water present in the salt-depleted solution, the permeate solution, or both.

105. The system of any one of claims 98 to 104, wherein the third subsystem is configured for removal of impurities from the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated lithium solution by precipitating magnesium carbonate solids, calcium carbonate solids, or a combination thereof from the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated lithium solution followed by separation of the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated lithium solution therefrom.

106. The system of claim 105, wherein the third subsystem is configured to add hydroxide to the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated lithium solution, thereby precipitating magnesium carbonate solids, calcium carbonate solids, or a combination thereof from the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated lithium solution.

107. The system of claim 105 or 106, wherein the third subsystem is configured to adjust the pressure of the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated lithium solution, thereby precipitating magnesium carbonate solids, calcium carbonate solids, or a combination thereof from the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated lithium solution.

108. The system of any one of claims 98 to 105, wherein the third subsystem is configured for removal of impurities from the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated lithium solution by adjusting the pressure of the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated lithium solution thereby causing precipitation or crystallization of an impurity in the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, and separating the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated lithium solution from the precipitated or crystallized impurity to provide a purified lithium solution.

109. The system of claim 108, wherein the third subsystem is further configured to adjust the pressure of the purified lithium solution to cause precipitation or crystallization of the lithium chemical.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 110. The system of claim 108 or 109, wherein the third subsystem is further configured to adjust the pH of the purified lithium solution to cause precipitation or crystallization of the lithium chemical.

111. The system of claim 109 or 110, wherein the lithium chemical is lithium carbonate.

112. The system of any one of claims 98 to 111, wherein the third subsystem is configured for removal of impurities from the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated lithium solution by contacting the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated lithium solution to a multivalent cation selective ion exchange material.

113. The system of any one of claims 98 to 112, wherein the third subsystem is further configured to pass the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution through a nanofiltration membrane.

114. The system of any one of claims 98 to 113, wherein the third subsystem is configured for heating the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution to cause precipitation or crystallization of the lithium chemical.

115. The system of any one of claims 98 to 113, wherein the third subsystem is configured for concentration of the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, cooling of the synthetic lithium solution or the concentrated synthetic lithium solution, or a combination thereof to cause precipitation or crystallization of the lithium chemical.

116. The system of any one of claims 64 to 115, wherein the ion exchange material or the lithiated ion exchange material is selected from the group consisting of Li4Mn5O12, Li4Ti5O12, Li2TiO3, Li2MnO3, Li2SnO3, LiMn2O4, Li1.6Mn1.6O4, LiAlO2, LiCuO2, LiTiO2, Li4TiO4, Li7Ti11O24, Li3VO4, Li2Si3O7, LiFePO4, LiMnPO4, Li2CuP2O7, and combinations thereof.

117. The system of claim 116, wherein the ion exchange material or the lithiated ion exchange material is selected from the group consisting of Li4Mn5O12, Li4Ti5O12, Li2TiO3, Li2MnO3, Li2SnO3, LiMn2O4, LiAlO2, LiCuO2, LiTiO2, Li4TiO4, Li7Ti11O24, Li3VO4, Li2Si3O7, LiFePO4, LiMnPO4, Li2CuP2O7, and combinations thereof.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 118. The system of any one of claims 64 to 117, wherein the ion exchange material or the lithiated ion exchange material is in the form of porous ion exchange beads comprising the ion exchange material and a matrix material.

119. The system of claim 118, wherein the diameter of the porous ion exchange beads is at most 1 cm.

120. The system of any one of claims 64 to 119, wherein the ion exchange material comprises coated ion exchange particles comprising particles of the ion exchange material and a coating material; wherein the coating material comprises a carbide, a nitride, an oxide, a phosphate, a fluoride, a polymer, carbon, a carbonaceous material, or combinations thereof.

121. The system of any one of claims 64 to 120, wherein the ion exchange material or the lithiated ion exchange material has an average particle size of about 1 micron to about 100 microns.

122. A method for lithium recovery from a liquid resource, the method comprising: a) contacting an ion exchange material to a liquid resource, wherein the ion exchange material absorbs lithium ions from the liquid resource to yield a lithium-depleted liquid resource and a lithiated ion exchange material; b) contacting the lithiated ion exchange material to an eluent solution, wherein the lithiated ion exchange material releases lithium into the eluent solution to generate a synthetic lithium solution, and wherein the eluent solution comprises an acid; c) separating the synthetic lithium solution from the ion exchange material; d) dissolving a gas in the synthetic lithium solution to yield an intermediate solution, e) processing the intermediate solution to yield a purified lithium solution and a regeneration solution, wherein the regeneration solution comprises the acid; and f) directing at least a portion of the regeneration solution to provide the eluent solution.

123. The method of claim 122, wherein the acid comprises a carboxylic acid.

124. The method of claim 123, wherein the acid comprises acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, benzoic acid, or a combination thereof.WSGR Docket No.50741-726.601 125. The method of claim 124, wherein the acid comprises acetic acid.

126. The method of claim 122, wherein the acid comprises sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, or a combination thereof.

127. The method of any one of claims 122 to 126, further comprising adjusting the pH of the synthetic lithium solution prior to d).

128. The method of any one of claims 122 to 127, wherein the purified lithium solution comprises lithium bicarbonate.

129. The method of any one of claims 122 to 128, wherein the regeneration solution further comprises lithium.

130. The method of any one of claims 122 to 129, wherein the acid in the regeneration solution is derived from the acid in the eluent solution.

131. The method of any one of claims 122 to 130, wherein the gas is CO2.

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