Enhanced continuous lithium extraction using self-designed porous nanosorbent fibers in a fixed-bed system: Optimization and mechanistic insights

This study introduced a novel lithium/aluminum layered double hydroxide (Li/Al-LDH) nanosorbent fiber (Li-PNF) engineered for continuous lithium extraction from brine using a fixed-bed system. These fibers featured a three-dimensional interconnected mesh structure and were distinctively encapsulated with needle-like Li/Al-LDH, exhibiting a layer-by-layer configuration. Compared to conventional Li/Al-LDH, Li-PNFs demonstrated abundant mesoporous structure and larger average pore size, facilitating the mass transfer and molecular diffusion of Li⁺ ions. Li-PNFs possessed a static lithium adsorption capacity of approximately 13.0 mg/g, with notable selectivity against Na⁺ and K⁺. Additionally, the Li⁺ binding energy across three distinct sites within the atomic structure of Li-PNFs proved advantageous, particularly at the Triangle-site-Al-overlapping-O₃, which reached −5.72 eV. Fixed-bed adsorption experiments confirmed that lower feed flow rates, higher initial lithium concentrations, and increased bed heights significantly enhanced the Li⁺ capture efficiency, achieving up to 23.83 % in a single fixed-bed experiment. Based on the prediction of adsorption penetration curves using four empirical models, it was found that the Clark and Thomas models could accurately predict the behavior of Li⁺ penetration through the bed. Fixed-bed desorption results indicated that optimal lithium recovery was achieved at lower feed rates, reduced lithium concentrations in the desorption solution, and elevated temperatures. Finally, the excellent cyclic adsorption/desorption performance and low preparation cost of Li-PNF further highlighted its potential for real industrial applications, offering a significant advancement in the field of lithium extraction technology.