Unlocking Direct Lithium Extraction in Harsh Conditions through Thiol-Functionalized Metal–Organic Framework Subnanofluidic Membranes

• DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02477
• Publication Date: 2024-05-11T15:15:42Z
• Authors: Chen Zhao; Fan Feng; Jue Hou; Jian Hu; Yuyu Su; Jefferson Zhe Liu; Matthew Hill; Benny D. Freeman; Huanting Wang; Huacheng Zhang
• Keywords: Thiol

Metal–organic framework (MOF) membranes with high ion selectivity are highly desirable for direct lithium-ion (Li+) separation from industrial brines. However, very few MOF can efficiently separate Li+ brines of Mg2+/Li+ concentration ratios and keep stable in ultrahigh Mg2+-concentrated This work reports a type MOF-channel (MOFCMs) by growing UiO-66-(SH)2 into the nanochannels polymer substrates to improve efficiency challenging extraction. The resulting demonstrate excellent monovalent metal over divalent ions, Li+/Mg2+ up 103 since Mg2+ should overcome higher energy barrier than when transported through pores, as confirmed molecular dynamics simulations. Under dual-ion diffusion, mole ratio feed solution increases 0.2 30, membrane decreases 1516 19, corresponding purity lithium products between 99.9 95.0%. Further research on multi-ion diffusion that involves three ions (K+, Na+, Li+, referred M+) solutions shows significant improvement efficiency. go 1114 Mg2+/M+ molar is 1:1, it remains at 19 30:1. also 30 days concentrated ratio. These results indicate feasibility MOFCMs extraction concentrations 3.5 M. study provides an alternative strategy designing efficient extracting valuable minerals future.