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Direct extraction of lithium from ores by electrochemical leaching

Author

Listed:
  • Hanrui Zhang

    (The Pennsylvania State University)

  • Ying Han

    (The Pennsylvania State University)

  • Jianwei Lai

    (The Pennsylvania State University)

  • Joseph Wolf

    (The Pennsylvania State University)

  • Zhen Lei

    (The Pennsylvania State University)

  • Yang Yang

    (The Pennsylvania State University)

  • Feifei Shi

    (The Pennsylvania State University)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Hanrui Zhang & Ying Han & Jianwei Lai & Joseph Wolf & Zhen Lei & Yang Yang & Feifei Shi, 2024. "Direct extraction of lithium from ores by electrochemical leaching," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-48867-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48867-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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