Electrochemical lithium extraction from high Mg/Li brine using LiMn2O4-Zn mixed-Ion battery

Abstract

In China, 80 % of lithium resources are in the salt lakes of the Tibetan Plateau, although the Mg2+/Li+ ratios in them are too high, limiting the development of China’s lithium extraction industry from the salt lakes. This study investigates the potential of the LiMn2O4-Zn cell system for lithium extraction from brines with high Mg2+/Li+ ratios. The system demonstrates excellent selectivity for Li+ and efficiently extracts Li+ even in brines with Mg2+/Li+ ratios as high as 100:1 (wt%). The system operates stably at various brine concentrations, particularly in high-salinity environments. The study also investigates the kinetic performance of the LMO-Zn system, revealing optimal performance at high Li+ concentrations and moderate current densities. The LiMn2O4-Zn cell system presents a promising approach for lithium extraction from brines, offering high selectivity, reversibility, and adaptability.