Work

Impurity Shielding in Li/Al-LDH-Based Lithium Recovery from Produced Water via Activated Carbon Pretreatment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Produced water (PW), a complex industrial wastewater byproduct, contains diverse organic contaminants and competing ions that hinder lithium recovery via lithium/aluminum-layered double hydroxide (Li/Al-LDH) adsorption. In this study, an activated carbon (AC)-based pretreatment strategy was developed to improve Li + adsorption efficiency by mitigating impurity-induced interference. Two commercial ACs were screened across three PW sources, with optimal dosage and contact time determined for each. AC pretreatment effectively removed key organic compounds and divalent cations, enhancing the aqueous environment for lithium uptake. More importantly, it preserved the structural integrity of Li/Al-LDH, reducing degradation associated with coadsorbed organics. Adsorption experiments confirmed increased Li + capacity following AC treatment, while adsorption kinetics remained unchanged. Li + selectivity was also modestly improved, particularly over Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ . Rather than directly enhancing Li + adsorption, AC served as a protective pretreatment, indirectly enabling more efficient and stable lithium recovery. This impurity-shielding approach offers a scalable and environmentally benign pathway for critical mineral recovery from PW, aligning with sustainable water treatment and circular economy principles.

Source: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering

DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.5c05254

Authors: Yanan Pan, Wencai Zhang

Institution: Virginia Tech

Language: English

Topic: Extraction and Separation Processes

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500