Phys.org October 22, 2024
In contrast to the predominant production of lithium from hard rock, lithium extraction from brine sources has proven more economical and sustainable. However, the low efficiency of the extraction process, complex composition and poor selectivity against magnesium, are the major competing species. Researchers in Australia showed a loose nanofiltration process involving ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for direct and efficient Li+ extraction as well as effective Mg2+ utilization from salt-lake brines. Taking advantage of selective binding between EDTA4− and Mg2+, their process achieved ultrahigh Mg2+ rejection of 99.85%, ultrafast Li+ flux and unprecedented Li+/Mg2+ separation factor under industrial conditions. The Li+ recovery rate reached 89.90% through a two-stage filtration process, while Mg2+ waste was converted to nanostructured Mg(OH)2 could be regenerated. According to the researchers their scalable process minimizes environmental impact, maximizes resource utilization, thereby catalyzing the shift toward a more sustainable future… read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Selective binding and filtration of binary-cation brine. Credit: Nature Sustainability, 22 October 2024