Recovering lithium salts from salt solutions, comprises immersing a lithium-intercalating positive electrode and an anion capturing electrode in a lithium-containing salt solution, and replacing the salt solution by a recovery solution

摘要

Recovering lithium salts from salt solutions comprises: (A) immersing a lithium-intercalating positive electrode and an anion capturing electrode (negative electrode) in a lithium-containing salt solution, and adjusting a constant negative current to the positive electrode, where the lithium ion (Li +>) and anions of the lithium-containing salt solution are trapped in the electrode; (B) replacing the salt solution by a recovery solution; (C) reversing the direction of current relative to the step (A); and (D) replacing the recovery solution by fresh saline. Recovering lithium salts from salt solutions comprises: (A) immersing a lithium-intercalating positive electrode and an anion capturing electrode (negative electrode) in a lithium-containing salt solution, and adjusting a constant negative current to the positive electrode, where the lithium ion (Li +>) and anions of the lithium-containing salt solution are trapped in the electrode; (B) replacing the salt solution by a recovery solution; (C) reversing the direction of current relative to the step (A), where the trapped ions are discharged into the recovery solution; and (D) replacing the recovery solution by fresh saline. An independent claim is included for an apparatus for recovering lithium salts from the salt solution, comprising a desalination battery with the lithium-intercalating positive electrode and the anion capturing electrode, a first source for the salt solution with an original lithium salt concentration, a second source for the recovery solution for recording captured lithium ions, a collecting vessel for the recovery solution containing the lithium ions, and a fluid exchange device for connecting the desalination battery with the first and second source and the collecting vessel, where the apparatus is configured so that anode and cathode are at least partially immersed in the salt solution with the starting concentration of lithium during the charging of the battery and at least partially immersed in the recovery salt solution during discharge of the battery, the fluid exchange device is configured so that the salt solution with the lithium initial concentration is replaced after charging the battery through the recovery solution and the recovery solution is replaced after discharging the battery through salt solution with lithium initial concentration for transferring the recovery solution into the container with the recovery solution.