Direct lithium extraction from brines using metal oxides

The use of ion-exchange adsorbents for lithium extraction from formation waters are important to diversify the Li supply chain in Canada. Among the most promising adsorbents, lithium manganese oxide has a high Li adsorption efficiency but often undergoes reductive dissolution because of the presence of dissolved organic compounds in the formation waters. The dissolution of Mn can be mitigated by elemental doping, coating, and membrane mounting. This research is important for optimizing the properties of adsorbents for low reductive dissolution, even in the presence of high amounts of organic compounds. Testing of the adsorbent at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) greater than 6 is important in understanding the life cycle of the adsorbent and the subsequent economic analysis to determine the viability of this method in Alberta brines. This pilot-scale testing is vital to advance the pre-commercialization of innovative Li extraction technologies, such as ours, for Li recovery and purification in Alberta.