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Development of a bipolar cell for lithium production

Conference ·
OSTI ID:132649
; ; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
  2. Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc., Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

The authors report development and bench-scale testing of an electrolytic process for reduction of LiOH to lithium metal through an amalgam intermediate. The amalgam is formed in an aqueous-electrolyte cell and stripped in a molten salt cell using a LiI-CsI eutectic at 225 C. Total energy efficiency is >70%. The process obviates high temperature materials problems, chlorine evolution and anhydrous feedstocks. While the principle is proven, sustained operation of the cell is now needed to obtain statistical data on reliability and maintainability.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
132649
Report Number(s):
UCRL-JC--121410; CONF-950518--16; ON: DE96004045
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English