Switchable ionophoric systems comprising macrocyclic ligands, methods, and uses of the same for trapping and releasing alkali metal ions

A substantial proportion of the lithium used in energy storage and numerous other applications is extracted from naturally occurring continental brines. The recycling of the lithium-ion batteries, which are experiencing a sharp increase in demand, also involves extraction of lithium from solutions containing other battery metals. The proposed research targets the development of sorbents for selective lithium extraction from water-based solutions. These sorbents will consist of lithiumtailored ion traps affixed on polymer support and are meant to provide a more economical and sustainable alternative to the slow, land-intensive solar evaporation that has been the industry standard for decades. Targeted are robust materials that can accommodate a diverse chemical composition of the lithium-containing solution, are highly selective to lithium, have a high sorption capacity, and allow for a fast, easily controlled sorption – desorption process.

Faculty Supervisor:

Roland Roesler

Student:

Partner:

Summit Nanotech

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Mining; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Calgary

Program: