Abstract
Lithium, highly demanded for its use in the battery industry, among other applications, has become a vulnerable commodity due to shortages in traditional sources. Although it is found in low concentration in SWRO brines, this waste represents a new source of this raw material. Based on previous studies in which Li+ extractions > 95 % were achieved, the optimal separation conditions of lithium from SWRO concentrates by solvent extraction with DBM•TOPO and FDOD•TOPO have been obtained for the first time. To this end, response surface methodology (RSM) with a three-level central composite design (CCD) has been applied. Three process variables, extractant concentration, basicity of the aqueous phase, and molar ratio between extractants, were evaluated using statistical parameters and second-order regression models. The optimized variables achieved maximum predicted extraction values of 99.7 % for DBM•TOPO and 100 % for FDOD•TOPO, not found yet in the open literature. Notably, for FDOD•TOPO system the needed pH for extraction is reduced, and both systems require a DBM:TOPO and FDOD:TOPO less than 1, a crucial consideration in terms of cost. This study opens new opportunities for lithium supply through desalination concentrates recovery.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
