Electrochemical Direct Lithium Extraction: A Review of Electrodialysis and Capacitive Deionization Technologies
The rapid expansion of lithium-ion battery (LIB) markets for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage has exponentially increased lithium demand, driving research into sustainable extraction methods. Traditional lithium recovery from brine using evaporation ponds is resource intensive, consumi...
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2025-02-01
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| author | Jeongbeen Park Juwon Lee In-Tae Shim Eunju Kim Sook-Hyun Nam Jae-Wuk Koo Tae-Mun Hwang |
| author_facet | Jeongbeen Park Juwon Lee In-Tae Shim Eunju Kim Sook-Hyun Nam Jae-Wuk Koo Tae-Mun Hwang |
| author_sort | Jeongbeen Park |
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| description | The rapid expansion of lithium-ion battery (LIB) markets for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage has exponentially increased lithium demand, driving research into sustainable extraction methods. Traditional lithium recovery from brine using evaporation ponds is resource intensive, consuming vast amounts of water and causing severe environmental issues. In response, Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies have emerged as more efficient, eco-friendly alternatives. This review explores two promising electrochemical DLE methods: Electrodialysis (ED) and Capacitive Deionization (CDI). ED employs ion-exchange membranes (IEMs), such as cation exchange membranes, to selectively transport lithium ions from sources like brine and seawater and achieves high recovery rates. IEMs utilize chemical and structural properties to enhance the selectivity of Li<sup>+</sup> over competing ions like Mg<sup>2+</sup> and Na<sup>+</sup>. However, ED faces challenges such as high energy consumption, membrane fouling, and reduced efficiency in ion-rich solutions. CDI uses electrostatic forces to adsorb lithium ions onto electrodes, offering low energy consumption and adaptability to varying lithium concentrations. Advanced variants, such as Membrane Capacitive Deionization (MCDI) and Flow Capacitive Deionization (FCDI), enhance ion selectivity and enable continuous operation. MCDI incorporates IEMs to reduce co-ion interference effects, while FCDI utilizes liquid electrodes to enhance scalability and operational flexibility. Advancements in electrode materials remain crucial to enhance selectivity and efficiency. Validating these methods at the pilot scale is crucial for assessing performance, scalability, and economic feasibility under real-world conditions. Future research should focus on reducing operational costs, developing more durable and selective electrodes, and creating integrated systems to enhance overall efficiency. By addressing these challenges, DLE technologies can provide sustainable solutions for lithium resource management, minimize environmental impact, and support a low-carbon future. |
| format | Article |
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| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-fbe04e1fe6984789ab4e2d101fe7250e2025-08-20T02:44:56ZengMDPI AGResources2079-92762025-02-011422710.3390/resources14020027Electrochemical Direct Lithium Extraction: A Review of Electrodialysis and Capacitive Deionization TechnologiesJeongbeen Park0Juwon Lee1In-Tae Shim2Eunju Kim3Sook-Hyun Nam4Jae-Wuk Koo5Tae-Mun Hwang6Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Korea University of Science & Technology, 217 Gajung-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Western University, Thompson Engineering Building, London, ON N6A 5B9, CanadaDepartment of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Korea University of Science & Technology, 217 Gajung-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of KoreaKorea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyangdae-Ro, Ilsanseo-Gu, Goyang-Si 10223, Republic of KoreaKorea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyangdae-Ro, Ilsanseo-Gu, Goyang-Si 10223, Republic of KoreaKorea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyangdae-Ro, Ilsanseo-Gu, Goyang-Si 10223, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Korea University of Science & Technology, 217 Gajung-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of KoreaThe rapid expansion of lithium-ion battery (LIB) markets for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage has exponentially increased lithium demand, driving research into sustainable extraction methods. Traditional lithium recovery from brine using evaporation ponds is resource intensive, consuming vast amounts of water and causing severe environmental issues. In response, Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies have emerged as more efficient, eco-friendly alternatives. This review explores two promising electrochemical DLE methods: Electrodialysis (ED) and Capacitive Deionization (CDI). ED employs ion-exchange membranes (IEMs), such as cation exchange membranes, to selectively transport lithium ions from sources like brine and seawater and achieves high recovery rates. IEMs utilize chemical and structural properties to enhance the selectivity of Li<sup>+</sup> over competing ions like Mg<sup>2+</sup> and Na<sup>+</sup>. However, ED faces challenges such as high energy consumption, membrane fouling, and reduced efficiency in ion-rich solutions. CDI uses electrostatic forces to adsorb lithium ions onto electrodes, offering low energy consumption and adaptability to varying lithium concentrations. Advanced variants, such as Membrane Capacitive Deionization (MCDI) and Flow Capacitive Deionization (FCDI), enhance ion selectivity and enable continuous operation. MCDI incorporates IEMs to reduce co-ion interference effects, while FCDI utilizes liquid electrodes to enhance scalability and operational flexibility. Advancements in electrode materials remain crucial to enhance selectivity and efficiency. Validating these methods at the pilot scale is crucial for assessing performance, scalability, and economic feasibility under real-world conditions. Future research should focus on reducing operational costs, developing more durable and selective electrodes, and creating integrated systems to enhance overall efficiency. By addressing these challenges, DLE technologies can provide sustainable solutions for lithium resource management, minimize environmental impact, and support a low-carbon future.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9276/14/2/27direct lithium extraction (DLE)electrodialysis (ED)capacitive deionization (CDI)electrochemical technologysustainable resource management |
| spellingShingle | Jeongbeen Park Juwon Lee In-Tae Shim Eunju Kim Sook-Hyun Nam Jae-Wuk Koo Tae-Mun Hwang Electrochemical Direct Lithium Extraction: A Review of Electrodialysis and Capacitive Deionization Technologies Resources direct lithium extraction (DLE) electrodialysis (ED) capacitive deionization (CDI) electrochemical technology sustainable resource management |
| title | Electrochemical Direct Lithium Extraction: A Review of Electrodialysis and Capacitive Deionization Technologies |
| title_full | Electrochemical Direct Lithium Extraction: A Review of Electrodialysis and Capacitive Deionization Technologies |
| title_fullStr | Electrochemical Direct Lithium Extraction: A Review of Electrodialysis and Capacitive Deionization Technologies |
| title_full_unstemmed | Electrochemical Direct Lithium Extraction: A Review of Electrodialysis and Capacitive Deionization Technologies |
| title_short | Electrochemical Direct Lithium Extraction: A Review of Electrodialysis and Capacitive Deionization Technologies |
| title_sort | electrochemical direct lithium extraction a review of electrodialysis and capacitive deionization technologies |
| topic | direct lithium extraction (DLE) electrodialysis (ED) capacitive deionization (CDI) electrochemical technology sustainable resource management |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9276/14/2/27 |
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