Lithium Extraction Framework Composition for Brine Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lithium recovery from brines, such as geothermal brines, face challenges with lithium-manganese oxide compositions' instability due to concentrated acid use and the need for enhanced lithium uptake and selectivity, as well as the deterioration of layered lithium aluminates in packed columns.
Innovation Solution
A solid particulate composition incorporating lithium, metal atoms, and anionic species in a framework structure, with specific metal substitutions and lithium present in a non-saturated amount, is used for lithium extraction, featuring improved absorption capacity and selectivity, and physical resiliency to prevent structure collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lithium-manganese oxide compositions are used for lithium recovery, then lithium extraction capability is achieved, but stability deteriorates due to concentrated acid use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting manganese with aluminum and incorporating specific anionic species (chloride, nitrate, sulfate, carbonate, or bicarbonate) to replace the unstable lithium-manganese oxide structure. This parameter change maintains lithium extraction capability while eliminating the need for concentrated acid, thereby improving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material structure where lithium is incorporated within a metal oxide or metal hydroxide framework containing aluminum and other metals (such as zinc, cobalt, nickel, copper, or iron). This composite structure provides both the lithium extraction functionality and the structural stability needed to avoid deterioration during the recovery process.
2Productivity
If layered lithium aluminates are used in packed columns, then lithium recovery is achieved, but physical resiliency deteriorates due to particle disintegration and crystal structure collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the structural parameters by creating a framework structure with metal atoms (aluminum, zinc, cobalt, nickel, copper, or iron) and anionic species that form a more resilient crystal lattice. This structural parameter change prevents particle disintegration and maintains physical integrity during the lithium recovery process in packed columns.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates structural reinforcements in the form of a stable metal oxide/hydroxide framework beforehand, which acts as a cushioning support to prevent crystal structure collapse during operation. This pre-built structural support ensures particles maintain their integrity throughout the lithium recovery process.
3Productivity
If conventional brine processing is used, then potassium production is achieved, but lithium uptake capacity is insufficient as lithium is only a side product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the framework structure with specific metal atoms and anionic species that create localized high-capacity sites for lithium uptake. The lithium-containing framework material is specifically engineered to have enhanced lithium absorption properties at particular locations within the structure, allowing simultaneous potassium production and improved lithium recovery as a co-product.
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 composition effectively extracts lithium from aqueous solutions with enhanced selectivity and stability, maintaining structural integrity during the extraction process, thereby improving lithium recovery efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The composition includes lithium, metal atoms, oxygen atoms, and at least one anionic species (X) selected from halide, nitrate, sulfate, carbonate and bicarbonate, all in a framework structure
Implementation Method 2
The composition effectively extracts lithium from aqueous solutions with enhanced selectivity and stability
Data Source
AI summary
A solid particulate composition useful in extracting a lithium salt from aqueous solutions, the composition comprising lithium, metal atoms, oxygen atoms, and at least one anionic species (X) selected from halide, nitrate, sulfate, carbonate and bicarbonate, all in a framework structure, wherein said metal atoms are selected from at least one of oxophilic main group metal and oxophilic transition metal atoms, provided that, if the metal atoms comprise aluminum atoms, then at least 10 mol % of said aluminum atoms are substituted with at least one metal atom selected from said at least one oxophilic main group and oxophilic transition metal atoms, other than aluminum, and wherein said lithium is present in said composition in an amount less than a saturated amount in order to permit extraction of lithium salt. Methods for extracting and recovering a lithium salt from an aqueous solution by use of the above-described composition are also described.