Core-Shell Lithium Adsorbent Granules for Stable Brine Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lithium adsorbents in powder form have poor hydrophilicity, stability, and long-term cycle performance, leading to agglomeration, pore blockage, and cracking during cyclic use, limiting their effectiveness in lithium extraction from salt lake brine.

Innovation Solution

A lithium adsorption material with a core-shell structure is developed, featuring specific pore sizes and thicknesses, enhanced by polyvinyl chloride and polyacrylic acid, which improves hydrophilicity and mechanical strength, reducing embedding and salt crystallization issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If polyvinyl chloride is used as a binder for granulation, then the granulated adsorbent can be obtained, but the product has poor hydrophilicity and is prone to embedding of powder adsorbent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegranulation processVSAvoidhydrophilicity and stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite binder system consisting of polyvinyl chloride and polyacrylic acid. This composite material combines the binding capability of polyvinyl chloride with the hydrophilic properties of polyacrylic acid, thereby improving the overall hydrophilicity of the granulated adsorbent while maintaining structural integrity and preventing powder embedding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of the binder system by introducing polyacrylic acid with specific molecular weight and content ratios. This parameter change transforms the binder from having poor hydrophilicity to exhibiting improved hydrophilic properties, directly addressing the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional granulation methods are used, then the granulated adsorbent can be produced, but the adsorbent is prone to agglomeration and pore blockage during cyclic use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegranulation processVSAvoidcycle performance and stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The composite binder system of polyvinyl chloride and polyacrylic acid creates a more stable granulated structure that resists agglomeration and pore blockage during cyclic adsorption-desorption operations. The polyacrylic acid component provides hydrophilic pathways that prevent powder embedding and maintain pore openness throughout the cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates polyacrylic acid beforehand in the granulation process to create a protective hydrophilic network that prevents future embedding and agglomeration issues. This preventive measure cushions against the harmful effects of cyclic use before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If powder form adsorbent is used, then the adsorbent can be synthesized, but it cannot be directly applied in conventional equipment and requires granulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorbent synthesisVSAvoidapplication in conventional equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical form parameter of the adsorbent from powder to granulated material through controlled granulation. This parameter change enables the adsorbent to be directly applied in conventional equipment while maintaining the synthesized adsorption properties through the use of appropriate binders and granulation conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The material enhances lithium adsorption capacity and mass transfer rates, maintaining high performance over multiple cycles by preventing pore blockage and cracking, thus improving lithium extraction efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a lithium adsorption material, a preparation method therefor and a use thereof... when the lithium adsorption material is used for extracting lithium in a liquid environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

the mass transfer rate of water and salt can be increased... the mass transfer rate of water can be increased

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMass transfer: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP4706816A1Lithium adsorption material, preparation method therefor and use thereof
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORP
  • EP4706816A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4706816A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4706816A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of adsorption materials. Disclosed are a lithium adsorption material, a preparation method therefor and a use thereof.