Lithium Patents (Class 423/179.5)
  • Patent number: 9748616
    Abstract: Lithium metal oxides may be regenerated under ambient conditions from materials recovered from partially or fully depleted lithium-ion batteries. Recovered lithium and metal materials may be reduced to nanoparticles and recombined to produce regenerated lithium metal oxides. The regenerated lithium metal oxides may be used to produce rechargeable lithium ion batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: University of Calcutta
    Inventor: Nilanjan Deb
  • Patent number: 9702024
    Abstract: A method for the hydrometallurgical recovery of lithium from a lithium transition metal oxide containing fraction of used galvanic cells is disclosed. According to the method, the lithium transition metal oxide containing fraction is introduced into sulphuric acid or hydrochloric acid, and hydrogen peroxide is added in an amount that is at least stoichiometric relative to the transition metal content to be reduced of the lithium transition metal oxide-containing fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwood Lithium GmbH
    Inventors: David Wohlgemuth, Mark Andre Schneider, Rebecca Spielau, Johannes Willems, Martin Steinbild
  • Patent number: 9694344
    Abstract: Provided is a novel continuous single-step method of manufacturing a multilayer sorbent polymeric membrane having superior productivity, properties and performance. At least one layer of the polymeric membrane comprises sorbent materials and a plurality of interconnecting pores. The method includes: (a) coextruding layer-forming compositions to form a multilayer coextrudate; (b) casting the coextrudate into a film; (c) extracting the film with an extractant; and (d) removing the extractant from the extracted film to form the multilayer sorbent polymeric membrane. The sorbent membrane of this disclosure can find a wide range of applications for use in filtration, separation and purification of gases and fluids, CO2 and volatile capture, structural support, vehicle emission control, energy harvesting and storage, device, protection, permeation, packaging, printing, and etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
  • Patent number: 9677153
    Abstract: A method for the hydrometallurgical recovery of lithium from the fraction of used galvanic cells containing lithium, iron and phosphate is disclosed. According to the method, lithium-iron-phosphate-containing fraction is introduced into sulfuric acid and/or hydrochloric acid, and hydrogen peroxide is added in an amount that is at least stoichiometric relative to the iron content to be oxidized of the lithium-iron-phosphate-containing fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwood Lithium GmbH
    Inventors: David Wohlgemuth, Mark Andre Schneider, Rebecca Spielau, Johannes Willems, Martin Steinbild
  • Patent number: 9562303
    Abstract: A mixed oxide containing a) a mixed-substituted lithium manganese spinel in which some of the manganese lattice sites are occupied by lithium ions and b) a boron-oxygen compound. Furthermore, a process for its preparation and the use of the mixed oxide as electrode material for lithium ion batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey PLC
    Inventors: Christian Vogler, Gerhard Nuspl, Margret Wohlfahrt-Mehrens, Peter Axmann, Gisela Arnold
  • Patent number: 9306213
    Abstract: To provide a process for producing a cathode active material for a lithium ion secondary battery, a cathode for a lithium ion secondary battery, and a lithium ion secondary battery. A production process which comprises contacting a lithium-containing composite oxide containing Li element and a transition metal element with a composition (1) {an aqueous solution containing cation M having at least one metal element (m)} and a composition (2) {an aqueous solution containing anion N having at least one element (n) selected from the group consisting of S, P, F and B, forming a hardly soluble salt when reacted with the cation M}, wherein the total amount A (mL/100 g) of the composition (1) and the composition (2) contacted per 100 g of the lithium-containing composite oxide is in a ratio of 0.1<A/B<5 based on the oil absorption B (mL/100 g) of the lithium-containing composite oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Kentaro Tsunozaki, Haisheng Zeng, Takeshi Kawasato
  • Patent number: 9284626
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying impure lithium bicarbonate by means of a cation exchange resin. In addition to solution purification by ion exchange, the treatment stages include the regeneration of impurity metals bound to the resin. Regeneration consists of washing the resin with water, elution with acid solution, washing with water, neutralization with alkali solution and washing with water. It is characteristic of the method that neutralization is performed with sodium hydroxide solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventor: Marika Tiihonen
  • Patent number: 9255011
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing lithium carbonate, which is important as a raw material of a lithium ion battery and the like, from brine resources. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for producing lithium carbonate, in which carbon dioxide gas obtained by calcining limestone is introduced, in the presence of ammonia, into a concentrated brine, which is prepared from a lithium-containing brine as a raw material through an evaporative concentrating step, a desulfurizing step and an electrodialysis step, thereby depositing lithium carbonate crystals, and the crystals thus deposited are recovered through solid-liquid separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignees: NITTETSU MINING CO., LTD., TOYO ENGINEERING CORPORATION, SUMITOMO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masanobu Kawata, Hirohumi Tanaka, Kohei Mitsuhashi, Ryo Kawarabuki, Youichi Yamamoto, Keita Kamiyama, Atsushi Moriya, Norifumi Sakai
  • Patent number: 9255012
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for recovering lithium carbonate from a raw material containing lithium, which method comprises pulping (1) the raw material containing lithium in the presence of water and sodium carbonate for producing a slurry containing lithium from the raw material containing lithium. After pulping the lithium-containing slurry is leached (2) for dissolving the lithium in the solution thus producing a solution containing lithium carbonate. After pulping and leaching the method comprises carbonating (3) the solution containing lithium carbonate by using carbon dioxide under atmospheric conditions for producing a solution containing lithium bicarbonate and separating (4) the solids form the solution. The solution containing lithium bicarbonate is purified (5) to produce a purified solution containing lithium bicarbonate, and recovering by crystallizing (6) lithium carbonate from the purified lithium bicarbonate-containing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Outotec (Finland) Oy
    Inventors: Marika Tiihonen, Liisa Haavanlammi
  • Patent number: 9243308
    Abstract: The apparatus for recovering Lithium comprises: a supply unit (1) in which lithium-containing water is passed through a filter membrane to yield lithium solution; an adsorption unit (2) in which said solution adsorb the lithium in a column; an elution unit (3) by which hydrochloric acid elute the lithium in the column, yielding a lithium elute containing hydrochloric acid and lithium chloride; a cleaning unit (4) by which the column is washing; a condensing unit (5) in which the lithium elute is circularly vaporized, and the vapor is condensed to yield concentrated lithium chloride solution; a collecting unit (6) in which sodium carbonate is added to lithium chloride solution to collect the lithium as concentrated lithium solution; and a hydrochloric acid recycling unit (7) in which the residue from lithium chloride solution is cooled to yield the hydrochloric acid as used in the elution unit (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Haruo Uehara
  • Patent number: 9169125
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing high-purity lithium carbonate. The method includes: removing magnesium and boron from a brine; separating and removing the remaining magnesium and calcium; concentrating the resulting brine by spray drying to form a powder; washing the powder to concentrate lithium; and carbonating the lithium ions with sodium carbonate (Na2CO3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: KOREA RESOURCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dong Jun Kang, Mi Hee Yoon, Jeon Woong An
  • Publication number: 20150147248
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a lithium-containing solution from a lithium-containing raw-material solution, by: a) precipitating a first part of magnesium and calcium from the lithium-containing raw-material solution, b) extracting a second part of calcium and magnesium from the lithium-containing solution by liquid-liquid extraction, a resultant product being a lithium-containing solution. The invention also relates to equipment for producing a lithium-containing solution from a lithium-containing raw-material solution, including a precipitation unit to remove a first part of magnesium and calcium and an extraction unit to receive the lithium-containing raw-material solution and to remove therefrom a second part of calcium and magnesium by liquid-liquid extraction, and control unit to control the operation of the precipitation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: OUTOTEC (FINLAND) OY
    Inventors: Hannu Laitala, Janne Karonen, Liisa Haavanlammi
  • Publication number: 20150140332
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing high-purity lithium fluoride proceeding from lithium carbonate, and to lithium fluoride having a preferred morphology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Matthias Boll, Wolfgang Ebenbeck, Eberhard Kuckert
  • Publication number: 20150132202
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing a lithium activated alumina intercalate solid by contacting a three-dimensional activated alumina with a lithium salt under conditions sufficient to infuse lithium salts into activated alumina for the selective extraction and recovery of lithium from lithium containing solutions, including brines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen Harrison, C. V. Krishnamohan Sharma, M. Scott Conley
  • Patent number: 9005557
    Abstract: A process for reducing the amount of magnesium in a lithium-containing brine by adding an aqueous solution of KCl to the brine to precipitate at least some of the magnesium as carnallite salt is disclosed. Lithium salts prepared using this magnesium removal process are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwood Lithium Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew John Donaldson, Daniel Alfred Boryta
  • Publication number: 20150071837
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing lithium hydroxide and a method of manufacturing lithium carbonate using the same. The method of manufacturing lithium hydroxide includes: preparation of a lithium phosphate aqueous solution including lithium phosphate particles; addition of a phosphate anion precipitation agent to the lithium phosphate aqueous solution; and precipitating a sparingly soluble phosphate compound through a reaction of cations of the phosphate anion precipitation agent with anions of the lithium phosphate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Uong Chon, Im Chang Lee, Ki Young Kim, Gi-Chun Han, Chang Ho Song, So Ra Jung
  • Patent number: 8932545
    Abstract: A method is provided for the synthesis of a mesoporous lithium transition metal compound, the method comprising the steps of (i) reacting a lithium salt with one or more transition metal salts in the presence of a surfactant, the surfactant being present in an amount sufficient to form a liquid crystal phase in the reaction mixture (ii) heating the reaction mixture so as to form a sol-gel and (iii) removing the surfactant to leave a mesoporous product. The mesoporous product can be an oxide, a phosphate, a borate or a silicate and optionally, an additional phosphate, borate or silicate reagent can be added at step (i). The reaction mixture can comprise an optional chelating agent and preferably, the reaction conditions at steps (i) and (ii) are controlled so as to prevent destabilization of the liquid crystal phase. The invention is particularly suitable for producing mesoporous lithium cobalt oxide and lithium iron phosphate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Gary Owen Mepsted, Emmanuel Imasuen Eweka
  • Publication number: 20140377154
    Abstract: To provide a lithium recovery method which is capable of efficiently recovering lithium without containing impurities, such as phosphorus and fluorine. In the present invention, an alkali is added to a discharge liquid and/or a cleaning liquid containing lithium discharged in a process of recovering valuable metals from a lithium ion battery, an acidic solvent extractant is caused to be in contact with the discharge liquid and/or the cleaning liquid under a condition of pH 9 or less and a temperature of 0 to 25° C. and lithium ions are extracted, and the acidic solvent extractant having extracted the lithium ions is caused to be in contact with an acid solution of pH 3 or less and the lithium ions are stripped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ishida, Satoshi Asano
  • Publication number: 20140348734
    Abstract: A method of extracting lithium from a lithium bearing solution and specifically, economically extracting lithium from a lithium bearing solution comprising the steps of: adding a nucleus particle to a lithium bearing solution; and precipitating the dissolved lithium in the lithium bearing solution as lithium phosphate by adding a phosphorous supplying material to the lithium bearing solution including the nucleus particle is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Uong Chong, Ki Young Kim, Gi-Chun Han, Chang Ho Song, Young Seok Jang, Kee-Uek Jeung, So Ra Jung
  • Publication number: 20140334997
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for a simplified process for preparing lithium carbonate from concentrated lithium brine which can be used for battery grade, pharmaceutical and other high purity grade applications. Impure lithium carbonate is precipitated from lithium concentrated brine, preferably lowered in magnesium, subsequently suspended in aqueous solution and reacted with carbon dioxide to form dissolved lithium bicarbonate. The insoluble impurities are filtered and the dissolved boron and metal impurities such calcium, magnesium and iron are physically separated from the lithium bicarbonate solution using ion selective mediums or other selective processes. Lithium carbonate is then subsequently precipitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: OROCOBRE LIMITED
    Inventors: Peter Ehren, Jose De Castro Alem
  • Patent number: 8877382
    Abstract: A method for preparing a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes: a) providing a furnace and a crucible that is included in the furnace; b) putting a mixture of a composite metal precursor and a lithium compound into the crucible; and c) preparing a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery by firing the mixture in the crucible, wherein during the process b), the mixture in the crucible is positioned so that a minimum distance from a predetermined position inside the mixture to an exterior of the mixture in the crucible is about 5 cm or less. A rechargeable lithium made by this method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Han Kim, Do-Hyung Park, Seon-Young Kwon, Yu-Mi Song, Ji-Hyun Kim, Kyoung-Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8877690
    Abstract: A method of treating a wastewater is provided and can be used, for example, to treat a gas well production wastewater to form a wastewater brine. The method can involve crystallizing sodium chloride by evaporation of the wastewater brine with concurrent production of a liquor comprising calcium chloride solution. Bromine and lithium can also be recovered from the liquor in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Various metal sulfates, such as barium sulfate, can be removed from the wastewater in the production of the wastewater brine. Sources of wastewater can include gas well production wastewater and hydrofracture flowback wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: ProChemTech International, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Edward Keister
  • Publication number: 20140322110
    Abstract: Provided are continuous methods and processes for removing Li ions from an aqueous feed solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: ADVANCE LITHIUM PROJECTS LTD.
    Inventors: Jonathan Lipp, Baruch Grinbaum
  • Publication number: 20140301922
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the preparation of lithium carbonate from lithium chloride containing brines. The method can include a silica removal step, capturing lithium chloride, recovering lithium chloride, supplying lithium chloride to an electrochemical cell and producing lithium hydroxide, contacting the lithium hydroxide with carbon dioxide to produce lithium carbonate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Simbol Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Harrison
  • Patent number: 8852452
    Abstract: A lithium transition metal oxide powder for use in a rechargeable battery is disclosed, where the surface of the primary particles of said powder is coated with a LiF layer, where this layer consists of a reaction product of a fluorine-containing polymer and the primary particle surface. The lithium of the LiF originates from the primary particles surface. Examples of the fluorine-containing polymer are either one of PVDF, PVDF-HFP or PTFE. Examples of the lithium transition metal oxide are either one of —LiCodMeO2, wherein M is either one of both of Mg and Ti, with e<0.02 and d+e=1; —Li1+aM?1?aO2±bM1kSm with ?0.03<a<0.06, b<0.02, M? being a transition metal compound, consisting of at least 95% of either one or more elements of the group Ni, Mn, Co and Ti; M1 consisting of either one or more elements of the group Ca, Sr, Y, La, Ce and Zr, with 0?k?0.1 in wt %; and 0<m<0.6, m being expressed in mol %; and —LiaNixCOyM?zO2±eAf, with 0.9<a?<1.1, 0.5?x?0.9, 0<y?0.4, 0<z?0.35, e<0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Umicore
    Inventors: Jens Paulsen, Randy De Palma, HeonPyo Hong, KyuBo Kim
  • Patent number: 8835026
    Abstract: Disclosed are a recovery for a metaloxidic cathodic active material for a lithium ion secondary battery and a synthesis thereof by the recovery method, wherein the recovery method includes (a) dissolving a cathodic active material from a waste lithium ion secondary battery using sulfuric acid solution containing sulfurous acid gas to generate a solution containing metal ions, (b) injecting sodium hydroxide solution and ammonia solution in the solution containing the metal ions to fabricate an electrode active material precursor, and (c) filtrating the active material precursor, followed by drying and grinding, thus to fabricate a solid-state cathodic active material precursor, and the synthesis method is achieved by mixing the electrode active material precursor fabricated according to the recovery method with lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, followed by heat treatment, to generate a metaloxidic cathodic active material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Kyung Yoon Chung, Hwa Young Lee, Byung-Won Cho
  • Publication number: 20140227153
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recycling lithium batteries and more particularly batteries of the Li-ion type and the electrodes of such batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALT
    Inventors: Richard Laucournet, Sandrine Barthelemy, Nathalie Diaferia
  • Publication number: 20140227154
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the preparation of lithium carbonate from lithium chloride containing brines. The method can include a silica removal step, capturing lithium chloride, recovering lithium chloride, supplying lithium chloride to an electrochemical cell and producing lithium hydroxide, contacting the lithium hydroxide with carbon dioxide to produce lithium carbonate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Simbol Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Harrison
  • Patent number: 8795614
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of economical extraction of magnesium, boron and calcium, while minimizing the loss of lithium, from a lithium bearing solution. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for economical extraction of magnesium, boron, and calcium, while minimizing the loss of lithium, from a lithium bearing solution comprising the steps of: (a) adding an alkali in the lithium bearing solution to precipitate magnesium hydroxide; (b) absorbing boron ions on the surface of the magnesium hydroxide by adjusting the pH to about 8.5 to about 10.5; and (c) simultaneously extracting magnesium and boron by filtering the magnesium hydroxide absorbed with the boron ions from the lithium bearing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology
    Inventors: Uong Chon, Gi Chun Han, Ki Hong Kim, Chang Ho Song, Ki Young Kim
  • Patent number: 8778289
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of extracting lithium from a lithium bearing solution. More specifically, the present invention provides a method of economical extraction of lithium from a lithium bearing solution by adding a phosphorous supplying material to the solution to precipitate lithium phosphate from the dissolved lithium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology
    Inventors: Uong Chon, Oh Joon Kwon, Ki Hong Kim, Chang Ho Song, Gi Chun Han, Ki Young Kim
  • Patent number: 8753594
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing a lithium aluminate intercalate (LAI) matrix solid and methods for the selective extraction and recovery of lithium from lithium containing solutions, including brines. The method for preparing the LAI matrix solid includes reacting aluminum hydroxide and a lithium salt for form the lithium aluminate intercalate, which can then be mixed with up to about 20% by weight of a polymer to form the LAI matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Simbol, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Ray F. Stewart, Brian E. Viani, Stephen Harrison, Christine Ellen Vogdes, John Galil Salim Lahlouh
  • Patent number: 8691169
    Abstract: It is possible to produce battery grade metallic lithium from naturally occurring or industrial brine by a process comprising the following steps: (i) precipitating magnesium with calcium hydroxide; (ii) removal of boron via extraction of solvents; (iii) precipitation of lithium with sodium carbonate; (iv) transformation of lithium carbonate to bicarbonate of lithium with carbonic acid; (v) decomposition of bicarbonate of lithium into high purity lithium carbonate as a result of heating of the solution. Re-precipitation of lithium carbonate by the formation of bicarbonate of lithium allows for the removal of the majority of contaminants which co-purify with lithium carbonate and yield battery grade highly purified lithium carbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: Waldo Perez, Hugo Adan Carlos Barrientos, Claudio Suarez, Marcelo Bravo
  • Patent number: 8679428
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of preparing highly pure lithium carbonate from brine. The method includes adding an adsorbent to the brine, from which the magnesium ions Mg2+ have been removed, to adsorb lithium ions Li+ to the adsorbent, followed by providing the adsorbent having the lithium ions Li+ adsorbed thereto to a strong acid solution to desorb the lithium ions Li+ from the adsorbent; enriching the strong acid solution in which the lithium ions Li+ are desorbed from the adsorbent; and obtaining lithium carbonate Li2CO3 through chemical reaction between the lithium ions Li+ in the enriched solution and a carbonate precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Joon-Soo Kim, Kyeong-Woo Chung, Jin-Young Lee, Sung-Don Kim
  • Publication number: 20140044622
    Abstract: A process for reducing the amount of magnesium in a lithium-containing brine by adding an aqueous solution of KCl to the brine to precipitate at least some of the magnesium as carnallite salt is disclosed. Lithium salts prepared using this magnesium removal process are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Rockwood Lithium Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew John Donaldson, Daniel Alfred Boryta
  • Patent number: 8647777
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mixed material of lithium iron phosphate and carbon, which contains secondary particles as aggregates of lithium iron phosphate primary particles and a fibrous carbon which is present inside the secondary particles. An electrode containing such a mixed material, a battery comprising such an electrode, a method for producing such a mixed material, and a method for producing a battery are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: GS Yuasa International Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Yasunaga, Tokuo Inamasu, Akihiro Fujii, Toshiyuki Nukuda
  • Publication number: 20140037521
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of selectively removing lithium from various liquids, methods of producing high purity lithium carbonate, methods of producing high purity lithium hydroxide, and methods of regenerating resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Simbol Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Harrison, Robert Blanchet
  • Patent number: 8641992
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a process for recovering lithium from an impure natural or industrial brine, the process comprising adjusting the pH of a feed brine containing lithium to a value of no less than 11.3 and separating the waste solids and a solution containing lithium values. The solution may be further concentrated and treated to obtain lithium carbonate and a lithium chloride solution suitable for obtaining electrolytic grade lithium chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: ADY Resources Limited
    Inventors: Daniel Ernesto Galli, Demetrio Humana, Maria de las Mercedes Otaiza, Claudia del Rosario Cachagua, Rene Enrique Santillan
  • Patent number: 8637428
    Abstract: This invention relates to a particulate extraction material for the extraction of lithium from a geothermal brine or lithium containing solution. The particulate material includes an inorganic or polymer based substrate that includes a lithium aluminum intercalate layer applied to the exterior of the substrate, wherein the lithium aluminum intercalate layer is operable to capture lithium ions from solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Simbol Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Harrison, C. V. Krishanamohan Sharma, Brian E. Viani, Diana Peykova
  • Publication number: 20130287654
    Abstract: A valuable metal recovery method of recovering metals from a lithium ion battery without using complicate steps and by a relatively simple and convenient facility is intended to be provided. For attaining the purpose, lithium is leached selectively from a positive electrode active material containing a composite oxide of lithium and transition metal elements by using a solution showing a weak acidity at a pH of 4 to 7 so that the high Li/Co selectivity is high and a Li recovery rate is high, and lithium is recovered from the leaching solution. By using a solute that the acidity of the acidic solution spontaneously disappears due to evolution of a gas after leaching of lithium, neutralization step is no more required and the volume of liquid wastes is decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Yasuko Yamada, Yoshihide Yamaguchi, Masahide Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20130272933
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing high-purity lithium carbonate. The method includes: removing magnesium and boron from a brine; separating and removing the remaining magnesium and calcium; concentrating the resulting brine by spray drying to form a powder; washing the powder to concentrate lithium; and carbonating the lithium ions with sodium carbonate (Na2CO3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA RESOURCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dong Jun Kang, Mi Hee Yoon, Jeon Woong An
  • Patent number: 8557412
    Abstract: It is a major object of the invention to provide a method for processing a battery member, by which a cathode active material and a sulfide solid electrolyte material can be efficiently separated from each other and the cathode active material and Li contained in the sulfide solid electrolyte material can be efficiently recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasushi Tsuchida, Yukinari Kotani, Yukiyoshi Ueno, Shigenori Hama, Hirofumi Nakamoto, Hiroshi Nagase, Masato Kamiya
  • Publication number: 20130251610
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing lithium carbonate, which is important as a raw material of a lithium ion battery and the like, from brine resources. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for producing lithium carbonate, in which carbon dioxide gas obtained by calcining limestone is introduced, in the presence of ammonia, into a concentrated brine, which is prepared from a lithium-containing brine as a raw material through an evaporative concentrating step, a desulfurizing step and an electrodialysis step, thereby depositing lithium carbonate crystals, and the crystals thus deposited are recovered through solid-liquid separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicants: NITTETSU MINING CO., LTD., SUMITOMO CORPORATION, TOYO ENGINEERING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masanobu KAWATA, Hirohumi TANAKA, Kohei MITSUHASHI, Ryo KAWARABUKI, Youichi YAMAMOTO, Keita KAMIYAMA, Atsushi MORIYA, Norifumi SAKAI
  • Publication number: 20130129586
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of extracting lithium from a lithium bearing solution. More specifically, the present invention provides a method of economical extraction of lithium from a lithium bearing solution by adding a phosphorous supplying material to the solution to precipitate lithium phosphate from the dissolved lithium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
  • Publication number: 20130121899
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of economical extraction of magnesium, boron and calcium, while minimizing the loss of lithium, from a lithium bearing solution. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for economical extraction of magnesium, boron, and calcium, while minimizing the loss of lithium, from a lithium bearing solution comprising the steps of: (a) adding an alkali in the lithium bearing solution to precipitate magnesium hydroxide; (b) absorbing boron ions on the surface of the magnesium hydroxide by adjusting the pH to about 8.5 to about 10.5; and (c) simultaneously extracting magnesium and boron by filtering the magnesium hydroxide absorbed with the boron ions from the lithium bearing solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Research Institute Of Industrial Science & Technology
    Inventor: Research Institute Of Industrial Science & Technology
  • Patent number: 8435484
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lithium vanadium oxide which corresponds to the formula Li1+?V3O8 (0.1???0.25). It is composed of agglomerates of small needles having a length l from 400 to 1000 nm, a width w such that 10<l/w<100 and a thickness t such that 10<l/t<100. It is obtained by a process consisting in preparing a precursor gel by bringing ?-V2O5 and a Li precursor into contact in amounts such that the ratio of the concentrations [V2O5]/[Li] is between 1.15 and 1.5 and in subjecting the gel to a heat treatment comprising a first stage at 80° C.-150° C. for 3 h to 15 days and a second stage between 250° C. and 350° C. for 4 min to 1 hour, under a nitrogen or argon atmosphere. It is useful as an active material of a positive electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignees: BATSCAP, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Dominique Guyomard, Joël Gaubicher, Marc Deschamps, Matthieu Dubarry, Benoit Morel
  • Publication number: 20130108527
    Abstract: The apparatus for recovering Lithium comprises: a supply unit (1) in which lithium-containing water is passed through a filter membrane to yield lithium solution; an adsorption unit (2) in which said solution adsorb the lithium in a column; an elution unit (3) by which hydrochloric acid elute the lithium in the column, yielding a lithium elute containing hydrochloric acid and lithium chloride; a cleaning unit (4) by which the column is washing; a condensing unit (5) in which the lithium elute is circularly vaporized, and the vapor is condensed to yield concentrated lithium chloride solution; a collecting unit (6) in which sodium carbonate is added to lithium chloride solution to collect the lithium as concentrated lithium solution; and a hydrochloric acid recycling unit (7) in which the residue from lithium chloride solution is cooled to yield the hydrochloric acid as used in the elution unit (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Haruo Uehara
  • Publication number: 20130101484
    Abstract: It is possible to produce battery grade metallic lithium from naturally occurring or industrial brine by a process comprising the following steps: (i) precipitating magnesium with calcium hydroxide; (ii) removal of boron via extraction of solvents; (iii) precipitation of lithium with sodium carbonate; (iv) transformation of lithium carbonate to bicarbonate of lithium with carbonic acid; (v) decomposition of bicarbonate of lithium into high purity lithium carbonate as a result of heating of the solution. Re-precipitation of lithium carbonate by the formation of bicarbonate of lithium allows for the removal of the majority of contaminants which co-purify with lithium carbonate and yield battery grade highly purified lithium carbonate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: MINERA EXAR S.A.
    Inventor: Minera Exar S.A.
  • Patent number: 8425875
    Abstract: The low Ta impurity content in pyrochlore ore makes it unnecessary to use a solvent extraction process to separate Nb from Ta. Consequently, niobium pentoxide powders using this ore can be produced at lower cost than competing mining/refining approaches, but in turn contain significant amounts of Ta impurities. SAW wafers are grown from melts produced by reacting niobium pentoxide powders containing Ta impurities at levels of 200 ppm or more by weight. Given proper amounts of starting powders, crystals can be grown with good yields and reproducible properties that satisfy typical SAW wafer specifications. The consistency across various lots of powders may be further improved by adding an appropriate amount of Ta pentoxide to the starting powders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Crystal Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Maria Claudia Custodio Kajiyama, Dieter Hans Jundt, Stephane Chamaly
  • Patent number: 8404305
    Abstract: The LiMPO4 compound is synthesized by reacting a compound of general formula XMPO4, nH2O where X represents a radical selected from —NH4 and —H and M is a transition metal selected from Co, Ni and Mn, with a lithium source such as lithium nitrate, at a temperature lower than or equal to 350° C. The XMPO4, nH2O compound further exhibits a particular morphology in the form of platelets that is preserved during the reaction between the two precursors. The LiMPO4 compound thus synthesized is advantageously used as active material of an electrode for a lithium storage battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Sebastian Patoux, Carole Pagano, Carole Bourbon, Frederic Le Cras
  • Patent number: 8404138
    Abstract: An electrode of a secondary battery is treated to remove an electrode material adhering to the current collector of the electrode. The electrode is treated by exposing to a stripping agent, which is constituted as an aqueous solution containing at least one of an organic sulfonic acid and derivative thereof, and the electrode exposure to each other to strip the electrode material from the current collector constituting the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazutaka Arimura, Hiroshi Yamasaki