Fine‐Tuning 2D Heterogeneous Channels for Charge‐Lock Enhanced Lithium Separation from Brine

Abstract The extraction of lithium (Li) from complex brines presents significant challenges due to the interference of competing ions, particularly magnesium (Mg2⁺), which complicates the selective separation process. Herein, a strategy is introduced employing charge‐lock enhanced 2D heterogeneous c...

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Main Authors: Yaxin Hao, Xin Liu, Yaoling Zhang, Xin Zhang, Zhan Li, Ximeng Chen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2024-11-01
Series:Advanced Science
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202406535
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author Yaxin Hao
Xin Liu
Yaoling Zhang
Xin Zhang
Zhan Li
Ximeng Chen
author_facet Yaxin Hao
Xin Liu
Yaoling Zhang
Xin Zhang
Zhan Li
Ximeng Chen
author_sort Yaxin Hao
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The extraction of lithium (Li) from complex brines presents significant challenges due to the interference of competing ions, particularly magnesium (Mg2⁺), which complicates the selective separation process. Herein, a strategy is introduced employing charge‐lock enhanced 2D heterogeneous channels for the rapid and selective uptake of Li⁺. This approach integrates porous ZnFe2O4/ZnO nanosheets into Ag+‐modulated sub‐nanometer interlayer channels, forming channels optimized for Li⁺ extraction. The novelty lies in the charge‐lock mechanism, which selectively captures Mg2⁺ ions, thereby facilitating the effective separation of Li from Mg. This mechanism is driven by a charge transfer during the formation of ZnFe2O4/ZnO, rendering O atoms in Fe‐O bonds more negatively charged. These negative charges strongly interact with the high charge density of Mg2⁺ ions, enabling the charge‐locking mechanism and the targeted capture of Mg2⁺. Optimization with Ag⁺ further improves interlayer spacing, increasing ion transport rates and addressing the swelling issue typical of 2D membranes. The resultant membrane showcases high water flux (44.37 L m⁻2 h⁻¹ bar⁻¹) and an impressive 99.8% rejection of Mg2⁺ in real brine conditions, achieving a Li⁺/Mg2⁺ selectivity of 59.3, surpassing existing brine separation membranes. Additionally, this membrane demonstrates superior cyclic stability, highlighting its high potential for industrial applications.
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spelling doaj-art-2075efbc2bc74094b73a22fe444e80a62025-08-20T02:12:25ZengWileyAdvanced Science2198-38442024-11-011141n/an/a10.1002/advs.202406535Fine‐Tuning 2D Heterogeneous Channels for Charge‐Lock Enhanced Lithium Separation from BrineYaxin Hao0Xin Liu1Yaoling Zhang2Xin Zhang3Zhan Li4Ximeng Chen5MOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 ChinaKey Laboratory of Green and High‐end Utilization of Salt Lake Resources Qinghai Engineering and Technology Research Center of Comprehensive Utilization of Salt Lake Resources Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes Chinese Academy of Sciences Xining 810008 P. R. ChinaKey Laboratory of Comprehensive and Highly Efficient Utilization of Salt Lake Resources Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes Chinese Academy of Sciences Xining 810008 P. R. ChinaMOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 ChinaMOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 ChinaMOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 ChinaAbstract The extraction of lithium (Li) from complex brines presents significant challenges due to the interference of competing ions, particularly magnesium (Mg2⁺), which complicates the selective separation process. Herein, a strategy is introduced employing charge‐lock enhanced 2D heterogeneous channels for the rapid and selective uptake of Li⁺. This approach integrates porous ZnFe2O4/ZnO nanosheets into Ag+‐modulated sub‐nanometer interlayer channels, forming channels optimized for Li⁺ extraction. The novelty lies in the charge‐lock mechanism, which selectively captures Mg2⁺ ions, thereby facilitating the effective separation of Li from Mg. This mechanism is driven by a charge transfer during the formation of ZnFe2O4/ZnO, rendering O atoms in Fe‐O bonds more negatively charged. These negative charges strongly interact with the high charge density of Mg2⁺ ions, enabling the charge‐locking mechanism and the targeted capture of Mg2⁺. Optimization with Ag⁺ further improves interlayer spacing, increasing ion transport rates and addressing the swelling issue typical of 2D membranes. The resultant membrane showcases high water flux (44.37 L m⁻2 h⁻¹ bar⁻¹) and an impressive 99.8% rejection of Mg2⁺ in real brine conditions, achieving a Li⁺/Mg2⁺ selectivity of 59.3, surpassing existing brine separation membranes. Additionally, this membrane demonstrates superior cyclic stability, highlighting its high potential for industrial applications.https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.2024065352D membranecharge‐lockfine‐tuning heterogeneous channelsreal brine separation
spellingShingle Yaxin Hao
Xin Liu
Yaoling Zhang
Xin Zhang
Zhan Li
Ximeng Chen
Fine‐Tuning 2D Heterogeneous Channels for Charge‐Lock Enhanced Lithium Separation from Brine
Advanced Science
2D membrane
charge‐lock
fine‐tuning heterogeneous channels
real brine separation
title Fine‐Tuning 2D Heterogeneous Channels for Charge‐Lock Enhanced Lithium Separation from Brine
title_full Fine‐Tuning 2D Heterogeneous Channels for Charge‐Lock Enhanced Lithium Separation from Brine
title_fullStr Fine‐Tuning 2D Heterogeneous Channels for Charge‐Lock Enhanced Lithium Separation from Brine
title_full_unstemmed Fine‐Tuning 2D Heterogeneous Channels for Charge‐Lock Enhanced Lithium Separation from Brine
title_short Fine‐Tuning 2D Heterogeneous Channels for Charge‐Lock Enhanced Lithium Separation from Brine
title_sort fine tuning 2d heterogeneous channels for charge lock enhanced lithium separation from brine
topic 2D membrane
charge‐lock
fine‐tuning heterogeneous channels
real brine separation
url https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202406535
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AT yaolingzhang finetuning2dheterogeneouschannelsforchargelockenhancedlithiumseparationfrombrine
AT xinzhang finetuning2dheterogeneouschannelsforchargelockenhancedlithiumseparationfrombrine
AT zhanli finetuning2dheterogeneouschannelsforchargelockenhancedlithiumseparationfrombrine
AT ximengchen finetuning2dheterogeneouschannelsforchargelockenhancedlithiumseparationfrombrine