Understanding the Electrochemical Extraction of Lithium from Ultradilute Solutions

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09111
• Publication Date: 2024-02-17T14:12:12Z
• Authors: Kaige Sun; Mike Tebyetekerwa; Xiangkang Zeng; Zhuyuan Wang; Timothy T. Duignan; Xiwang Zhang
• Keywords: Electrochemical cell

The electrochemical extraction of lithium (Li) from aqueous sources using means is a promising direct Li technology. However, to this date, most studies are confined Li-rich brine, neglecting the practical and existing Li-lean resources, with their overall behaviors currently not fully understood. More still, effect elevated sodium (Na) concentrations typically found in water on unclear. Hence, work, we first understand ultradilute solutions spinel manganese oxide as model electrode. We discovered that depends highly concentration cell operation current density. Then, switched our focus low Na ratio solutions, revealing can dominate electrostatic screening layer, reducing ion concentration. Based these understandings, rationally employed pulsed restructure electrode surface distribute surface-adsorbed species, which efficiently achieves high selectivity even extremely initial Li/Na up 1:20,000.