Abstract: Method(s) and apparatus for direct lithium extraction from brine solutions via a combined solvent extraction and electrowinning process. This process involves solvent extraction integrated with an electrodeposition of lithium metal from nonaqueous solutions to with the added feature of solvent regeneration. The direct lithium metal harvest from brines via a compatible solvent will reduce significantly operational and capital costs related to the current molten salt electrolysis methods for lithium metal production.

Abstract: A method of making monovalent and multivalent anion selective membrane. Such membrane can be used for electrodialysis (“ED”) operation and applied towards the important Cl?—SO42? separation in lithium extraction. The membrane thickness is much less than 100 ?m, preferably less than 50 ?m, more preferably less than 40 ?m, and most preferably 20-30 ?m.

Abstract: A direct lithium extraction (DLE) process and system comprising ion exchange, ion adsorption, and solvent extraction or other methods to reduce downstream process steps which typically include nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, mechanical-thermal evaporation, and additional solvent extraction or other steps.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of improving the monovalent selectivity of the anion exchange membrane. When operating electrodialysis in a high salinity brine, the high salinity solution enables monovalent selective transport. The monovalent selectivity can significantly retard divalent anion transport, such as SO42—, and is particularly useful during lithium extractions from brines. Such selectivity can be utilized in many operation containing high concentration of salt solution such as sea salt extraction, lithium production, and the production of chloroalkanes.

Abstract: Systems and methods using solar evaporation to preconcentrate lithium containing brines to at or near lithium saturation, followed by a separation process to separate lithium from impurities. A separated impurity stream is recycled to a point in the evaporation sequence where conditions are favorable for their precipitation and removal or disposed in a separate evaporation pond or reinjected underground, while a lower impurity stream is transferred to one or more of the removal location, to a subsequent pond in the sequence, or to a lithium plant or concentration facility. Further concentration of lithium by evaporation can then take place because impurities are removed, thus eliminating lithium losses due to co-precipitation and achieving significantly higher concentrations of lithium.

Abstract: Systems and methods using solar evaporation to preconcentrate lithium containing brines to at or near lithium saturation, followed by a separation processes to separate lithium from impurities. A separated impurity stream is recycled to a point in the evaporation sequence where conditions are favorable for their precipitation and removal or disposed in a separate evaporation pond or reinjected underground, while a lower impurity stream is transferred to one or more of the removal location, to a subsequent pond in the sequence, or to a lithium plant or concentration facility. Further concentration of lithium by evaporation can then take place because impurities are removed thus eliminating lithium losses due to co-precipitation and achieving significantly higher concentrations of lithium.