Ionic Liquid Lithium Recovery for High-Concentration Electrodeposition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recovering lithium from lithium ion batteries are inefficient and costly, leading to environmental contamination and waste of resources.
Innovation Solution
A method involving dissolving lithium salts in ionic liquids and applying a current to deposit lithium onto an electrode, using nonaqueous acids and specific ionic liquids to achieve high lithium concentrations and electrochemical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to recover lithium from lithium ion batteries, then the process is simple and familiar, but the recovery efficiency is low and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using ionic liquids as a novel solvent system instead of conventional aqueous or organic solvents. This allows achieving up to 7 M lithium ion concentration, which dramatically improves recovery efficiency while the ionic liquid system simplifies subsequent separation and purification steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite functionality by combining ionic liquid properties (high ion conductivity, electrochemical stability) with specific electrode materials. The ionic liquid itself acts as both solvent and electrolyte, eliminating the need for separate electrolyte components and simplifying the overall process
2Quantity of substance
If high concentrations of lithium ions are dissolved in ionic liquid, then lithium recovery efficiency improves, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ionic liquid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the solvent for dissolving lithium salts to achieve high concentrations, functions as the electrolyte for electrochemical deposition, and provides the medium for ion transport. This multi-functionality achieves high lithium ion concentration without proportionally increasing process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The ionic liquid system is self-sufficient in that it provides all necessary electrolytic functions without requiring additional electrolyte additives or complex supporting systems. The high lithium ion concentration is achieved through direct dissolution in the ionic liquid itself, which naturally supports electrochemical reactions
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
Enables the recovery of high concentrations of lithium ions up to 7 M, facilitating the extraction of lithium metal, hydride, or hydroxide efficiently and economically.
Implementation Method 1
dissolving the lithium salt in ionic liquids
Implementation Method 2
applying a current to the solution to deposit lithium onto an electrode
Implementation Method 3
applying a potential to the ionic liquid composition to deposit lithium onto an electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods for recovering lithium metal, lithium hydride, or lithium hydroxide from lithium salts by dissolving the lithium salt in ionic liquids and applying a current to the solution.