Lithium carbonate recovery from brines using membrane electrolysis

The increasing demand for lithium in various industries necessitates efficient methods for its recovery from brines. This study aims to develop a novel process using membrane electrolysis for the recovery of lithium carbonate from saline brines. A three-compartment membrane electrolysis reactor with a side-crystallizer was designed and tested. The methodology involved the alkalinization of brine solutions through water reduction and CO2 bubbling, which resulted in the production of lithium carbonate with a purity level exceeding 93.8%. Furthermore, the process generated low salinity water concurrently with lithium carbonate, achieving total dissolved solids as low as 0.08 g L-1. The findings suggest that the novel approach is viable for lithium carbonate production without the need for additional chemicals, except for CO2. This research provides a promising route for sustainable lithium extraction, contributing to the resource's efficient utilization and minimizing environmental impact. The results support further exploration into the commercial application of membrane electrolysis in lithium recovery from various brine sources.