Lithium Halide Synthesis Without Direct Water Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing lithium halides, such as lithium bromide and lithium iodide, are inefficient and require direct water removal steps, which hinder industrial applicability and ion conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the mixing of lithium sulfide with bromine or iodine in a solvent that dissolves lithium halides, followed by solvent removal, to produce lithium halides with low water content without direct water removal steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional methods using aqueous raw materials are used to produce lithium halide, then the synthesis process is simple, but water content increases and ion conductivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an organic solvent as an intermediary medium to facilitate the reaction between lithium sulfide and halogen molecules. The solvent mediates the reaction process, allowing the formation of lithium halide without introducing water, thus maintaining high ion conductivity while keeping the synthesis process straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the reaction medium from aqueous to organic solvent-based. This parameter change eliminates water introduction at the source, preventing water contamination while maintaining reaction efficiency and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
2Manufacturing precision
If water removal methods (azeotropy, heating under reduced pressure) are used, then water content decreases, but the process complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by using anhydrous organic solvents and maintaining water-free conditions throughout the synthesis process. This prevents water contamination before it occurs, eliminating the need for subsequent water removal steps and reducing process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of using organic solvents (which may be difficult to handle) into a benefit by selecting solvents that facilitate the reaction while being easy to remove. The organic solvent system, initially seeming problematic, actually simplifies the overall process by eliminating water removal requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If lithium sulfide is reacted with halogen molecules in aromatic hydrocarbons without pulverizer, then the process is simpler, but reaction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameter from aromatic hydrocarbons to esters or ethers, which have better solubility properties for the reactants. This parameter change enhances reaction efficiency while maintaining process simplicity, as the improved solubility promotes better contact between reactants without requiring pulverization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pulverization system with a chemical solution approach. Instead of mechanically grinding the lithium sulfide to increase surface area, the patent uses solvents with appropriate solubility characteristics to achieve effective reactant contact, thereby eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining high reaction efficiency.
4Productivity
If solvents with high lithium halide solubility are used, then reaction efficiency improves, but solvent removal becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects solvents with specific physical parameters - esters or ethers with moderate boiling points and appropriate solubility characteristics. These parameter choices optimize the balance between reaction efficiency and solvent removal ease, allowing efficient reactions while enabling straightforward solvent elimination through conventional heating methods.
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 the production of lithium bromide and lithium iodide with high reaction efficiency and low water content, suitable for industrial applications and improving ion conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
mixing lithium sulfide, a halogen molecule of at least one of bromine and iodine, and a first solvent
Implementation Method 2
the first solvent is a solvent that dissolves a lithium halide containing the same halogen element as the halogen molecule
Implementation Method 3
removing the solvent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for producing a lithium halide compound, capable of industrially advantageously producing a lithium halide compound having a low water content, particularly lithium bromide and lithium iodide, at a high reaction efficiency without accompanying a step of directly removing water, and the method including mixing lithium sulfide, a halogen molecule of at least one of bromine and iodine, and a first solvent; and removing the first solvent, wherein the first solvent is a solvent that dissolves a lithium halide containing the same halogen element as the halogen molecule.