Lithium Adsorbent Preparation via Boehmite Precipitation and Extrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting lithium from saline solutions face challenges due to the difficulty in selectively separating lithium from other metals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, resulting in inefficient processes with high lithium loss and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
A novel process for preparing a solid crystalline material of formula (LiCl)x.2Al(OH)3,nH2O with specific precipitation and extrusion steps, enhancing lithium adsorption capacity and kinetics, and reducing the amount of lithium chloride used, leading to improved mechanical strength and cohesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional methods are used to extract lithium from saline solutions, then lithium can be obtained, but the separation is inefficient and lithium loss is high due to difficulty in selectively separating lithium from other metals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction system by using a solid crystalline material with specific formula (LiCl)x.2Al(OH)3.nH2O where x is between 0.4 and 1, and controlling precipitation at specific pH (7.5-9.5) and temperature (5-35°C) conditions to achieve selective lithium separation from saline solutions, thereby reducing lithium loss while improving separation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite solid crystalline material combining lithium chloride, aluminium hydroxide, and water in a specific stoichiometric ratio to create an adsorbent with enhanced selectivity for lithium ions, enabling efficient separation from other metals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium while minimizing lithium loss
2Ease of manufacture
If more lithium chloride is used in the preparation process, then the solid material can be prepared, but production cost increases and lithium loss in effluent increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the lithium chloride quantity parameter by controlling the Li/Al molar ratio between 0.3 and 1.2 (corresponding to x between 0.4 and 1 in the final formula), and by controlling precipitation pH and temperature parameters, achieving effective solid material preparation while minimizing lithium chloride usage and reducing lithium loss in effluent, thereby lowering production cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a highly efficient solid crystalline material that copies and enhances the natural preference of aluminium hydroxide for lithium ions, achieving selective lithium adsorption with minimal lithium chloride addition, thus reducing both production cost and lithium loss in effluent
3Productivity
If the solid material is prepared without specific precipitation conditions, then the process is simpler, but adsorption capacity and adsorption kinetics are lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise precipitation parameters including temperature (5-35°C), pH (7.5-9.5), and Li/Al molar ratio (0.3-1.2) to control the formation of the solid crystalline material structure, thereby achieving high adsorption capacity and kinetics. The extrusion step with specific diameter (0.2-5 mm) further optimizes the material properties for enhanced lithium adsorption performance
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 process achieves higher lithium adsorption capacity and kinetics, reduces lithium loss, and lowers production costs by using a smaller quantity of lithium chloride, resulting in a more efficient and selective lithium extraction from saline solutions.
Implementation Method 1
Solid materials of formula LiCl.2Al(OH)3,nH2O with n being between 0.01 and 10 are known to be used for adsorption/desorption phenomena of lithium ions
Implementation Method 2
The chemical properties of lithium and alkali metals, preferably (Na), potassium (K), and of alkaline-earth metals preferably magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and strontium (Sr), lead to difficult separation of these elements
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of solid materials for the adsorption of lithium. In particular, the present invention relates to a novel process for preparing a solid crystalline material formed preferably in extrudate form, of formula (LiCl)x.2Al(OH)3,nH2O with n being between 0.01 and 10, x being between 0.4 and 1, comprising a step a) to precipitate boehmite under specific conditions of temperature and pH, a step to place the precipitate obtained in contact with a specific quantity of LiCl, at least one forming step preferably via extrusion, said process also comprising a final hydrothermal treatment step, all allowing an increase in lithium adsorption capacity and in the adsorption kinetics of the materials obtained compared to prior art materials, when used in a process to extract lithium from saline solutions.