Solution-processable polymer membranes with hydrophilic subnanometre pores for sustainable lithium extraction

Membrane-based separation processes hold great promise for sustainable extraction of lithium from brines for the rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry and renewable energy storage. However, it remains challenging to develop high-selectivity membranes that can be upscaled for industrial processes. Here we report solution-processable polymer membranes with subnanometre pores with excellent ion separation selectivity in electrodialysis processes for lithium extraction. Polymers of intrinsic microporosity incorporated with hydrophilic functional groups enable fast transport of monovalent alkali cations (Li⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺) while rejecting relatively larger divalent ions such as Mg²⁺. The polymer of intrinsic microporosity membranes surpasses the performance of most existing membrane materials. Furthermore, the membranes were scaled up and integrated into an electrodialysis stack, demonstrating excellent selectivity in simulated salt-lake brines. This work will inspire the development of selective membranes for a wide range of sustainable separation processes critical for resource recovery and a global circular economy.