Work

α‐ Al 2 O 3 Networks on MLG Membranes for Continuous Lithium Ion Extraction from Artificial Sea Water with Enhanced Selectivity and Durability

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The escalating demand for lithium‐ion batteries highlights the critical need for alternative lithium sources beyond limited terrestrial reserves. Seawater offers a promising yet challenging lithium resource due to its sub‐ppm level Li + concentration and the presence of competing cations (Na + , K + , Mg 2+ , and Ca 2+ ). Here, we present a multilayer graphene membrane decorated with α‐phase Al 2 O 3 networks (α‐Al 2 O 3 /MLG) as a selective and durable platform for lithium extraction from seawater. This membrane leverages van der Waals gaps at Al 2 O 3 –MLG heterointerfaces and vertical channels formed at MLG grain boundary defects to achieve high Li + selectivity. By integrating the membrane into an electrodialysis system, a stable Li + flux of 0.084 mol h m −2 was maintained over 100 h, which resulted in lithium purity and recovery rates of 88.9% and 88.6% from artificial seawater over three extraction cycles. These findings demonstrate the membrane's potential for selective lithium extraction from seawater while minimizing competing ion transport.

Source: Energy & environment materials

DOI: 10.1002/eem2.70145