Lithium sorption cycle provides economic, environmental benefits

CMI highlight 437, April 2023
Flowcharts for Li2SO4 production via CMI aluminum hydroxide sorbent cycle (top) vs standard Li2CO3 production by evaporation and precipitation. Feed for both methods is a leachate obtained from domestic mine tailings.

CMI researchers from Oak Ridge national Laboratory and Purdue University conducted the research for this highlight.

Achievement
Lithium sorption from a leachate of domestic mine tailings improves economics and environmental impact.

Significance and impact

  • Al(OH)3 sorbent recovers >93% of Li from an alkaline sulfate-bearing leachate of mine tailings.
  • Delithiation using water and relithiation of Al(OH)3 demonstrate a complete separation cycle with circular economy.
  • LCA shows 80% lower reagent consumption, 63% lower direct energy consumption, 73% lower global warming, and 73% lower fossil fuel depletion vs the standard evaporative method.
  • Next steps involve testing potential extensions to Li recovery from minerals and to LIB recycle.

Hub Targets Addressed
Unlocking unconventional resources. Highly selective separation from complex sources.