Solid Electrolyte Lithium Extraction With Energy Reclamation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current critical mineral extraction systems face high energy consumption, low yield of high-purity materials, and environmental impact due to inefficient electrolyte membranes and fragile electrode coatings, leading to unsustainable energy demand and toxic waste.
Innovation Solution
A membrane-based system utilizing an anode and cathode with an ion-selective solid electrolyte membrane for alkali metal extraction, where migration is driven by a current, allowing selective permeability and energy recovery, reducing carbon footprint through electrochemical processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional membrane systems are used for critical mineral extraction, then separation and recovery of minerals can be achieved, but the systems suffer from low ionic conductivity, low durability, low scalability, low selectivity for alkali metals, and high permeability to undesirable species
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the membrane system by transitioning from conventional porous membranes with binders to solid electrolyte membranes with specific crystal structures (NASICON, Perovskite, Spinel). This structural parameter change enables simultaneous achievement of high ionic conductivity, high durability, and high selectivity for alkali metals while reducing energy consumption for extraction operations
2Reliability
If electrode coatings are used for lithium-ion batteries, then battery function can be achieved, but the coatings are expensive to manufacture, fragile, and may easily delaminate in extreme environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coating system (fragile electrode coatings applied to battery electrodes) with an electrochemical system using solid electrolyte membranes. The membrane-based system uses electrochemical potential differences to drive ion separation and recovery, eliminating the need for fragile mechanical coatings and their associated manufacturing complexities while improving durability in extreme environments
3Productivity
If conventional critical mineral extraction systems are used, then mineral separation can be achieved, but energy consumption and water consumption are heavily increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the solid electrolyte membrane selectively transports alkali metal ions based on their size and charge characteristics. The system uses the natural electrochemical potential difference between the feed solution and the receiving solution to drive ion migration, minimizing external energy input requirements and eliminating the need for high-energy processes like evaporation and extensive washing
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 system achieves efficient extraction and purification of alkali metals with reduced energy demand and lower environmental impact by recovering input energy as electrochemical energy, enhancing scalability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
an ion-selective solid electrolyte membrane positioned between the anode and the cathode, wherein the ion-selective solid electrolyte membrane is configured to: selectively allow the lithium ions to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 2
the anode and the cathode are configured to drive migration of lithium ions therebetween using a current passing from the anode to the cathode, wherein the current is driven by a redox configuration of the anode and the cathode
Data Source
AI summary
The presently disclosed concepts relate to green battery recycling systems and critical mineral reclamation and refinement. Alkali metal extraction (and in particular lithium extraction) is accomplished using a solid electrolyte membrane in combination with electrodes in a redox configuration. The energy used to initially extract lithium from a feed solution is stored as electrochemical energy, which electrochemical energy is reclaimed in subsequent reclamation processing steps. This reclamation may further allow for lithium to be converted to lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, or purified to a minimum purity of 99.9% lithium by mass. These extraction and reclamation steps may performed in continuous ultra-efficient ongoing cycles. Since irrecoverable energy losses incurred in each cycle are limited to negligible amounts of joule heating of the system components and feed solution, the system can be sustainably powered using locally-generated renewable energy, which in turn, provides for a green and sustainable solution for lithium recycling.