Lithium Extraction by Electrodialysis: Effect of Co-Occurring Ions for Application in Brine Processing

Author(s)

Botelho Junior, Amilton Barbosa ; Abels, Kristen ; Espinosa, Denise Crocce Romano ; Tarpeh, William A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of the Electrochemical Society; v. 172, n. 2, p. 10-pg., 2025-02-01.

Abstract

Lithium (Li) is considered a critical material because of growing Li-ion battery demand and 90% of global production occurring in Australia, Chile, and China. Li-ion (Li+) extraction from brine uses large areas for evaporation and precipitation. Membrane separation can extract lithium with minimal water losses. However, the effect of brine composition on Li+ transport across different commercial membranes in electrodialysis (ED) separations remains a pressing knowledge gap. This study aimed to evaluate co-occurring ion effects (Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+) on ED Li+ extraction using different commercial membranes. Li+ extraction performance was evaluated for varying current densities in binary solutions using a single-stack ED cell comprised of a standard anion exchange membrane and either a standard cation exchange (CEM), monovalent-selective CEM, or nanofiltration (NF) membrane. Li+ selectivities were highest for the monovalent-selective CEM, followed by NF and then standard CEM. Monovalent contaminants remain an extant challenge for Li+ extraction using all membranes tested. Selectivity factors for Li+ over divalent cations reached 6.8 (S-Li/Mg) and 56.7 (S-Li/Ca) at 2.8 mA cm(-2) for the monovalent-selective CEM. These divalent separation factors were achieved without Ca precipitation/fouling; Li+/Mg2+ and Li+/Ca2+ ratios increased from 0.5 in the feed (for both ions) to 5.0 and 3.5 in the permeate. (c) 2025 The Electrochemical Society ("ECS"). Published on behalf of ECS by IOP Publishing Limited. All rights, including fortext and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies, are reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/01032-5 - Separation of critical metals through supported liquid membrane: evaluation of synergistic interaction between organophosphorus and membranes
• Grantee: Amilton Barbosa Botelho Junior
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 19/11866-5 - Development of innovative processes for the recovery of critical metals
• Grantee: Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/14842-0 - Elucidation of the organometallic complexation mechanism between organic extractants and rare earth elements
• Grantee: Amilton Barbosa Botelho Junior
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral