Electrochemical Lithium Extraction With Water-Splitting Acid Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium extraction methods are costly, energy-intensive, and inefficient, particularly from Li-sources like brines, ores, and recycled lithium-ion batteries, due to the use of sulfuric acid and extensive heating processes.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical process involving a water-splitting reactor with an anode and cathode produces an aqueous acid solution, which decomplexes lithium-containing precursors in a decomplexation tank, followed by Li-selective separation using a lithium ion sieve membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional sulfuric acid process is used for lithium extraction, then lithium can be obtained from Li-ores, but vast quantities of sulfuric acids are consumed and extensive heating is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional thermal heating process with an electrochemical process. Instead of using extensive heating to precipitate Li2CO3, the invention uses electrochemical reactions in a reactor system to extract lithium from brines and other sources, thereby reducing energy consumption associated with thermal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction process by using electrochemical methods instead of sulfuric acid chemistry. The process operates at different pH conditions and uses electrochemical potential to drive lithium extraction, eliminating the need for vast quantities of sulfuric acid while maintaining high extraction efficiency
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple Li-separation and evaporation steps are involved in lithium recovery, then lithium can be separated from complex sources, but the process becomes costly and low efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lithium extraction process into distinct functional zones within the reactor system, including an anode compartment, cathode compartment, and intermediate separation zones. This segmentation allows for simultaneous separation and concentration of lithium in a single integrated system rather than multiple sequential steps
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical reactor system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it separates lithium from other ions, concentrates the lithium, and precipitates it as carbonate all within the same device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate evaporation and separation steps, reducing both complexity and cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lithium extraction methods are used, then lithium production is limited by location and complexity of Li-sources, but these methods are widely applicable
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical process can operate with varying brine compositions, temperatures, and flow rates, allowing it to adapt to different lithium sources including brines from various geographic locations, recycled battery materials, and other complex sources. The process parameters can be adjusted to optimize extraction efficiency for each specific source
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 method enables energy-effective, high-throughput lithium extraction from complex resources without acid addition, producing LiOH and valuable byproducts like hydrogen, while selectively separating lithium from other metals.
Implementation Method 1
electrochemically producing an aqueous acid solution
Implementation Method 2
separating the target cation from the decomplexed solution
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of extracting and isolating a target cation from precursors containing a mixture of cation species.