Direct extraction of lithium from ores by electrochemical leaching

Zhang, Hanrui; Han, Ying; Lai, Jianwei; Wolf, Joseph; Lei, Zhen; Yang, Yang; Shi, Feifei

doi:10.1038/s41467-024-48867-0

Direct extraction of lithium from ores by electrochemical leaching

Journal Article · Thu Jun 13 00:00:00 EDT 2024 · Nature Communications

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-48867-0· OSTI ID:2472029

^[1]; Han, Ying ^[2]; Lai, Jianwei ^[2]; ^[2]; Lei, Zhen ^[2]; ^[2]; ^[2]

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA (United States); OSTI
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA (United States)

With the rapid increase in lithium consumption for electric vehicle applications, its price soared during the past decade. To secure a reliable and cost-effective supply chain, it is critical to unlock alternative lithium extraction resources beyond conventional brine. In this study, we develop an electrochemical method to directly leach lithium from α-phase spodumene. We find the H₂O₂ promoter can significantly reduce the leaching potential by facilitating the electron transfer and changing the reaction path. Upon leaching, β-phase spodumene shows a typical phase transformation to HAlSi₂O₆, while leached α-phase remains its original crystal phase with a lattice shrinkage. To demonstrate the scale-up potential of electrochemical leaching, we design a catalyst-modified high-throughput current collector for high loading of suspended spodumene, achieving a leaching current of 18 mA and a leaching efficiency of 92.2%. Electrochemical leaching will revolutionize traditional leaching and recycling processes by minimizing the environmental footprint and energy consumption.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO); USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)

Grant/Contract Number:: NE0009286

OSTI ID:: 2472029

Journal Information:: Nature Communications, Journal Name: Nature Communications Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 15; ISSN 2041-1723

Publisher:: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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