Enrichment of lithium ions for battery application by electrolysis through a nanoporous membrane

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2025-01, Vol.626, p.235748, Article 235748
• Main Authors: Srishti, S., Raj, Shrisha S., Vani, B., Atkar, Aarti, Sridhar, S., Madhu Mala, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cation transfer; Electrolysis; Lithium-ion battery (LIB); Nanoporous membrane; Titanium electrode
• ISSN: 0378-7753
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.235748

In recent years, lithium (Li) has become a valuable commodity widely used in rechargeable batteries. The present study aims to extract battery-grade lithium-ion, as lithium hydroxide (LiOH), from lithium chloride (LiCl) solution by the membrane electrolysis process. Experiments are performed using a commercial cation exchange membrane and an indigenous High flux-Nanofiltration 300 alkali resistant (HF-NF 300 AR) nanoporous membrane. The dual-chamber electrolytic cell incorporates a selective membrane to separate the feed and concentrate chambers containing LiCl solution and deionized water. These two chambers are connected with titanium electrodes through the external circuit. The in-situ design of the compact two-chambered acrylic electrolytic cell helps to separate metal ions from ionizable salts of sodium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, etc. The experiment is conducted on a laboratory scale by varying the LiCl concentration at voltages of 24 V and 36 V. The feed and concentrate solutions are analyzed for pH, conductivity, and total dissolved solids. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry evaluates the presence of metal ions in the solution. The study shows effective metal ion recovery and separation to achieve battery-grade Li. [Display omitted] •Synthesis of HF-NF 300 AR nanoporous membrane.•Application of Nanoporous barrier for Li ion isolation.•Unique cell design with low capital and operating costs.•Effective Li ion recovery and separation to achieve battery-grade Li.