In a significant breakthrough for lithium extraction, researchers from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT), along with collaborators, have developed a crystalline carbon nitride membrane that promises to revolutionize the industry.
Published in Science Advances on June 14, the study introduces a “congener-welded” crystalline carbon nitride membrane inspired by biological ion channels. This innovative membrane exhibits exceptional efficiency and durability in separating lithium ions from magnesium ions in salt-lake brine.
Achieving a remarkable selectivity ratio of 1,708, the membrane excels in extracting highly diluted lithium ions (0.002 M) from concentrated magnesium ions (1.0 M). This capability addresses the prevalent challenge of high magnesium content in lithium sources, crucial for sustainable lithium extraction technologies.
Co-first author Zhang Yuanyuan from QIBEBT emphasized, “Our approach mimics natural ion channels to create a membrane with high selectivity and stability, essential for practical applications.”
The membrane’s superior performance is attributed to its unique structure, blending crystalline and amorphous forms of polymer carbon nitride. This design provides precise pore size distribution to exclude larger hydrated magnesium ions while enabling efficient lithium-ion transport, akin to natural ion channels.
Prof. Gao Jun, co-corresponding author, highlighted the membrane’s dual functionality beyond lithium extraction, suggesting broader applications in environmental protection and resource recovery.
With global demand for lithium rising, particularly in electric vehicles and renewable energy sectors, efficient extraction methods like this membrane technology are critical. Prof. Liu Jian, another co-corresponding author, underscored its potential impact on advancing renewable energy and electric mobility.
This advancement marks a pivotal step towards sustainable lithium extraction, promising both environmental benefits and enhanced resource efficiency in the pursuit of cleaner energy solutions.
