Lithium extraction from Chinese salt-lake brines: opportunities, challenges, and future outlook

Authors

Jianfeng Song, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy Of Sciences
Long D. Nghiem, University of WollongongFollow
Xuemei Li, Chinese Academy Of Sciences
Tao He, Chinese Academy Of SciencesFollow

RIS ID

115399

Publication Details

Song, J., Nghiem, L. D., Li, X. & He, T. (2017). Lithium extraction from Chinese salt-lake brines: opportunities, challenges, and future outlook. Environmental Science: Water Research and Technology, 3 (4), 593-597.

Abstract

Chinese salt-lake brine is mainly of the magnesium sulfate subtype with a high Mg/Li ratio. Mining lithium from Chinese salt-lake brine has been a decades-long technical challenge. The pros and cons of various technologies are briefly discussed. Chemical extraction has been the most important technology for the recovery of lithium from Chinese salt-lake brine with a high Mg/Li ratio. Several other innovative technologies, including lithium ion sieves, membrane separation, and electro-electrodialysis, have also emerged as potential options.