Stable Electrochemical Lithium Extraction Using LiMn₂O₄ Coated With Lithiated Nafion

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Electrochemical lithium extraction using LiMn2O4 (LMO) is promising but hindered by LMO instability and manganese dissolution.
• Developing stable and efficient electrode materials is crucial for practical lithium recovery from brines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the performance of LiMn2O4 for electrochemical lithium extraction.
• To improve the structural stability and reduce manganese dissolution of LMO during lithium extraction.
• To investigate the efficacy of a lithiated Nafion coating for electrochemical lithium recovery.

Main Methods:

• Coating LiMn2O4 (LMO) with a thin layer of lithiated Nafion (Li-Nafion).
• Electrochemical characterization of the modified LMO for lithium extraction capacity and rate capability.
• Cyclic stability testing to assess manganese dissolution and capacity retention.
• Application testing in a natural salt lake environment (Zabuye).

Main Results:

• The Li-Nafion coating (≈3.5 nm) facilitated faster lithium-ion transport and enhanced hydrophilicity.
• Achieved an enhanced lithium extraction capacity of 4 mmol g⁻¹.
• Significantly inhibited manganese dissolution, leading to 96% capacity retention after 50 cycles.
• Demonstrated effective electrochemical lithium extraction in Zabuye salt lake.

Conclusions:

• Lithiated Nafion coating significantly improves the electrochemical performance and stability of LMO for lithium extraction.
• The modified LMO shows great potential for efficient and sustainable lithium recovery from natural brines.
• This approach offers a viable solution to overcome the limitations of traditional LMO-based electrochemical extraction.