Conductive Nanoporous Membrane Separation for Lithium Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recycling battery components, such as lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel, are costly, environmentally impactful, and contaminate the black mass, making it difficult to extract lithium due to residual sodium and other chemicals, necessitating a more efficient and sustainable approach.
Innovation Solution
An electrically conductive membrane separation system using a nanoporous membrane filter with an electrical contact and counter electrode to generate an electric field, allowing for the separation of components from a mixture solution, including battery leachates, by holding the membrane at a constant electric potential or flowing constant current, reducing the need for chemical precipitation and thermal crystallization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If chemical precipitation techniques are used to separate battery materials, then separation can be achieved, but the black mass becomes contaminated with residual sodium and other chemicals, making lithium extraction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical precipitation methods with an electrochemical membrane separation system. A conductive membrane with controlled pore size is used to physically separate lithium ions from other battery materials through electrochemical processes, eliminating the need for chemical precipitants and avoiding contamination with residual chemicals.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive membrane acts as an intermediary element between the black mass slurry and the lithium extraction process. The membrane selectively transports lithium ions while blocking other materials, enabling separation without direct chemical contact that would cause contamination.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional hydrometallurgical methods including solvent extraction and thermal crystallization are used, then material separation can be achieved, but capital cost and operating cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines filtration and electrochemical separation into a single integrated membrane system. The conductive membrane performs both physical filtration and electrochemical separation functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate solvent extraction and thermal crystallization units.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the separation mechanism from chemical-based (solvent extraction, thermal crystallization) to electrochemical-based. By applying electrical potential across the conductive membrane, lithium ions are selectively transported based on their electrochemical properties rather than requiring complex chemical reactions and phase changes.
3Quantity of substance
If strong acids and neutralizing agents are used in the leaching process, then battery material extraction can be achieved, but environmental impact increases and chemical usage must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acid-based chemical leaching with an electrochemical extraction process. Electrical energy is used to drive lithium ion transport through the membrane without requiring strong acids, thereby reducing environmental harm from chemical waste while maintaining extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the challenge of black mass complexity into an advantage by using electrochemical potential differences to selectively extract lithium. The varied chemical composition of black mass, which complicates traditional processing, becomes manageable through selective electrochemical transport that exploits differences in ionic properties.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system enables efficient and sustainable extraction of critical materials by minimizing chemical usage and environmental impact, achieving high selectivity and yield in recycling valuable metals like lithium, while reducing capital and operating costs.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane filter, via the electrical contact, and the counter electrode are configured to generate an electric field between the membrane filter and the counter electrode
Implementation Method 2
The system enables efficient and sustainable extraction of critical materials by minimizing chemical usage and environmental impact, achieving high selectivity and yield in recycling valuable metals like lithium
Implementation Method 3
The membrane filter is configured to separate a component from a mixture solution
Implementation Method 4
a membrane filter comprising a nanoporous structure
Implementation Method 5
hold the membrane filter at a constant electric potential, or to flow constant current into the membrane filter
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for electrically conductive membrane separation from a mixture solution via membrane nanofiltration, electro-filtration, or electro-extraction by: generating an electric field at the membrane filter, holding the membrane filter at a constant electric potential, or driving a constant current through the membrane filter; feeding a mixture solution through the membrane nanofiltration system; and separating a component from the mixture solution into a permeate solution.