Lithium Halide Extraction Using Aqueous Oxidant Mixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium extraction methods from lithium bearing materials are costly, environmentally unfriendly, and require high pressures and temperatures, posing health and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an aqueous oxidant mixture comprising water, an oxidizing agent, and a source of halide ion is used to extract lithium from lithium bearing materials, eliminating the need for high temperatures and pressures, and resulting in a more environmentally friendly and efficient process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high pressures and elevated temperatures are used to extract lithium from lithium bearing materials, then extraction effectiveness is improved, but capital investment costs and operating costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction system by introducing specific oxidizing agents and halide ions, which alter the reaction mechanism to enable lithium extraction at ambient or mild conditions, thereby reducing the need for high-pressure and high-temperature equipment and associated capital investment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses oxidizing agents and halide ions as intermediary substances that facilitate lithium extraction through chemical complexation and redox reactions, replacing the need for extreme physical conditions and enabling extraction under milder, more cost-effective conditions
2Productivity
If high pressures and elevated temperatures are used to extract lithium, then extraction effectiveness is improved, but operating costs and carbon footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical environment by adding oxidizing agents and halide ions, which change the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the extraction reaction, allowing it to proceed efficiently at lower temperatures and pressures, thus reducing energy consumption and operating costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal system (high pressure and temperature) with a chemical system (oxidizing agents and halide ions) that achieves the same extraction goal through chemical reactions, thereby reducing reliance on energy-intensive physical conditions
3Productivity
If conventional lithium extraction methods are used, then extraction effectiveness is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition of the extraction system by introducing environmentally benign oxidizing agents and halide ions, which enable effective lithium extraction without the harmful environmental side effects associated with conventional high-temperature and high-pressure methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the chemical reactivity that could potentially be harmful into a beneficial extraction mechanism by using controlled redox reactions between oxidizing agents and halide ions to selectively extract lithium, transforming what could be a source of environmental harm into an environmentally friendly process
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 method effectively extracts lithium to form lithium halide, which can be isolated or converted into other forms, offering a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly lithium extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the aqueous oxidant mixture with the lithium bearing material to extract the lithium from the lithium bearing material and form a lithium halide solution
Implementation Method 2
providing an aqueous oxidant mixture comprising water, an oxidising means, and a source of halide ion
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method of extracting lithium from a lithium bearing material comprising the steps of: a) providing an aqueous oxidant mixture comprising water, an oxidising means, and a source of halide ion; b) contacting the aqueous oxidant mixture with the lithium bearing material to extract the lithium from the lithium bearing material and form a lithium halide solution.