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Published on: February 1, 2016
Designing an Intergrowth-Structure Li Ion-Sieve Membrane for Long-Term Stable Lithium Extraction
Yigang Wang1, Kangwen He1, Jingui Yang1
1Center of Energy Storage Materials & Technology, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P. R. China.
A new TiO2 intergrowth layer protects lithium-ion conducting membranes (LAGP) from corrosion, enabling stable lithium extraction from seawater. This method enhances membrane durability and efficiency for sustainable energy solutions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Lithium extraction from seawater is a promising alternative source for lithium.
- Corrosion of lithium-ion conducting membranes (LAGP) and poor adhesion of coatings hinder efficient lithium extraction.
- Developing stable and selective membranes is crucial for sustainable lithium recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust protection layer for LAGP membranes to enable stable lithium extraction from seawater.
- To investigate a novel permeation growth strategy for constructing an intergrowth TiO2 protection layer.
- To evaluate the performance and stability of the modified LAGP membrane in a lithium extraction device.
Main Methods:
- A permeation growth strategy was employed to create an intergrowth TiO2 layer on a LAGP membrane.
- Acidic TiO2 sol was spin-coated and sintered, inducing acid etching and ion exchange.
- The modified membrane was characterized for its structural, electrochemical, and chemical stability properties.
- A lithium extraction device was assembled using the modified membrane, natural seawater, and an organic electrolyte.
Main Results:
- An intergrowth TiO2 layer and a lattice-matched interfacial phase (Li1+xAlxTi2-x(PO4)3/LAGP) were successfully formed.
- The intergrowth structure enhanced membrane hardness, peel strength, and eliminated interfacial gaps.
- The modified LAGP membrane exhibited an ionic conductivity of 2.40 × 10^-4 S cm^-1 and excellent chemical stability in seawater.
- The membrane maintained integrity, Li+/Na+ selectivity, and stable operation for 650 hours with 97.4% Coulombic efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The permeation growth strategy effectively constructs a stable intergrowth TiO2 protection layer on LAGP membranes.
- This approach significantly improves the durability and performance of membranes for lithium extraction from seawater.
- The developed Li-ion sieve membranes offer a viable solution for sustainable and efficient seawater lithium extraction.
