Lithium Isotope Membrane Separation with Low-Temperature Electrodialysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium isotope concentration methods, such as the electrodialysis method, have low isotope separation coefficients and low productivity, and there is a need for a safer and more efficient method to separate lithium isotopes.
Innovation Solution
A lithium isotope concentration device and method that utilizes a treatment tank partitioned by a lithium-ion conductivity electrolyte membrane, with controlled temperature and voltage application, and a multi-stage configuration to enhance isotope separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the electrodialysis method is used for lithium isotope concentration, then environmental safety is improved compared to amalgam/molten salt/distillation methods, but the isotope separation coefficient is small resulting in low productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter to low temperature conditions and controls the voltage parameter to enhance the mobility difference between 6Li+ and 7Li+ ions. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving high isotope separation coefficients (above 1.05) while maintaining the environmental safety of the electrodialysis method, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing environmental benefits
2Productivity
If voltage is applied to enhance lithium ion mobility for faster recovery, then productivity is improved, but the isotope separation coefficient decreases due to reduced mobility difference between isotopes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes both temperature and voltage parameters simultaneously. By maintaining low temperature and controlling voltage within specific ranges, the mobility difference between 6Li+ and 7Li+ is preserved even at higher recovery speeds. This dual parameter control resolves the contradiction by enabling fast recovery while maintaining high isotope separation coefficients
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs intermittent voltage application rather than continuous voltage. The voltage is applied in cycles with specific on/off timings, allowing the system to achieve high productivity through periodic enhancement of ion mobility while maintaining the isotope separation coefficient by resetting the mobility difference between isotopes during the off periods
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 efficiently recovers an aqueous solution with a higher isotope ratio of 6Li, and the multi-stage device further increases the isotope ratio of 6Li, providing a safer and more efficient lithium isotope concentration process.
Implementation Method 1
a lithium-ion conductivity electrolyte membrane partitioning the treatment tank
Implementation Method 2
a cooling device configured to cool the lithium-ion conductivity electrolyte membrane
Implementation Method 3
electrodes having porous structures, the electrodes being provided in contact respectively with opposite surfaces of the lithium-ion conductivity electrolyte membrane; a power supply device configured to apply a voltage between the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A lithium isotope concentration device includes a treatment tank partitioned in a supply tank and a recovery tank by an electrolyte membrane having a lithium-ion conductivity. The electrolyte membrane is cooled by a cooling device via an Li-containing aqueous solution in the supply tank to have a low temperature at which the Li isotope separation coefficient is larger. A power supply device, connected between electrodes provided on opposite surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, applies a positive voltage to an electrode on a supply tank side.