Continuous Lithium Extraction System Using Ion-Selective Membrane for Extraction of High-Purity Lithium Phosphate Powder

Abstract

Global lithium demand is expected to increase from 500,000 tons in 2021 to 2 million tons in 2030, and the lithium shortage is expected to reach 220,000 tons. This dramatic increase in lithium demand is largely due to the widespread use of lithium ion batterie, or electronic devices. In recent years, there has been a global effort to extract lithium ions from dissolved seawater or wastewater. We also developed a lithium extraction system consisting of an anion exchange membrane (AEM) and lithium lanthanum titanium oxide (LLTO) membrane. The system produced lithium concentrated solutions with a lithium ion concentration of 10,000 ppm and a lithium selectivity (Li+/Mg2+) of 1000. Lithium phosphate powder with 99.5% purity was fabricated from lithium concentrated solution through a powdering process. Its purity is such that it can be used in industry and is expected to have a wide range of applications. ©2025 Japan Society of Powder and Powder Metallurgy.