Solid-State Electrolyte Membrane for Selective Lithium Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium production methods, such as brine evaporation and spodumene roasting, are energy-intensive and costly, and lack efficient recycling processes, leading to environmental concerns and high costs due to the inefficiency in lithium extraction and disposal of lithium batteries.
Innovation Solution
A solid state ionic conductive electrolyte membrane with a garnet-like structure oxide material is used to selectively extract lithium from lithium-rich solutions, utilizing a multi-channel porous support structure and a garnet-like structure oxide material with specific elemental compositions for high lithium ionic conductivity and selectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If brine evaporation is used for lithium extraction, then lithium can be obtained from brine, but the process is very slow and takes up to 18 months with high startup cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid (traditional) to solid state, enabling lithium ion conduction without water. This allows the extraction process to proceed much faster than brine evaporation while maintaining high lithium selectivity through the solid electrolyte membrane's ionic conductivity properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal evaporation mechanism with an electrochemical ion conduction mechanism. Instead of using heat to evaporate brine over months, the solid state electrolyte membrane enables lithium ions to be selectively transported through the membrane at much faster rates under electrochemical driving forces
2Productivity
If spodumene roasting is used for lithium extraction, then lithium can be extracted faster than brine evaporation, but the process requires more energy and has higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical processing approach to a direct electrochemical extraction method. Instead of roasting spodumene at high temperatures followed by leaching and purification, the solid state electrolyte enables direct lithium ion extraction from lithium-containing materials or solutions, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining fast extraction rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the lithium ions selectively through the solid state electrolyte membrane, leaving other components behind. This direct extraction approach eliminates the need for energy-intensive roasting, crushing, and multiple purification steps required by traditional spodumene processing
3Productivity
If traditional lithium production methods are used, then lithium can be produced, but the cost is high and environmental pollution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal and chemical processing methods (roasting, leaching, evaporation) with electrochemical ion conduction through a solid state membrane. This substitution eliminates harmful emissions from roasting and reduces water consumption and chemical waste, thereby reducing environmental pollution while maintaining production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables efficient lithium recovery from lithium-containing solutions or recycled battery materials through the solid state electrolyte membrane. This selective extraction and recovery process prevents lithium waste and reduces the need for virgin lithium extraction, thereby reducing environmental impact
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 solution enables efficient and cost-effective lithium extraction with high selectivity and stability, reducing environmental impact and production costs by improving lithium recovery from lithium-rich solutions.
Implementation Method 1
solid state ionic conductive electrolyte membrane... high lithium ionic conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
A solid state ionic conductive electrolyte membrane may include a garnet-like structure oxide material. A solid state ionic conductive electrolyte membrane may include a multi-channel porous support structure and a solid state ionic conductive electrolyte in the multi-channel porous support structure. Systems and methods for selectively extracting alkaline metals include the solid state ionic conductive electrolyte membrane.