Bipolar Electrodialysis for Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH) Production from Lithium Chloride (LiCl)
Bipolar Electrodialysis for Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH) Production from Lithium Chloride (LiCl)
Bipolar Electrodialysis (BPED) is a promising electrochemical process for producing lithium hydroxide (LiOH) from lithium chloride (LiCl).
This method leverages the unique properties of bipolar membranes to facilitate the conversion of lithium chloride into lithium hydroxide, providing a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical methods.
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Here's below we present an overview of the process and its key components.
Process Overview: Bipolar Electrodialysis for LiOH Production
The core components of DESALT Bipolar Electrodialysis for LiOH production include:
Bipolar Electrodialysis Membrane Stack Configuration: The membrane stack for BPED system consists of a custom designed stack of alternating anion exchange membranes (AEM), cation exchange membranes (CEM), and bipolar membranes (BPM).
Feed and Product Streams: The system typically involves three compartments:
1. Dilute Compartment: Contains the lithium chloride solution.
2. Concentrate Compartment: Collects the lithium hydroxide solution.
3. Bipolar Compartment: Where water dissociation into H+ and OH− ions occurs.
Advantages of Bipolar Electrodialysis for LiOH Production from LiCl Solutions
High Purity
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Bipolar Electrodialysis relies on selective ion exchange membranes (AEM, CEM, and BPM), which ensure that only specific ions (e.g., Li+ and OH−) are transported through the membranes. This selectivity minimizes contamination from other ions present in the feed solution.
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At the same time, the bipolar membranes provide a clean and controlled source of hydroxide ions. This precision in ion generation and movement enhances the purity of the final lithium hydroxide product.
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Traditional chemical methods often introduce impurities during the reaction processes or through the use of reagents. BMED, on the other hand, operates under a controlled electric field, significantly reducing the introduction of extraneous substances.
Energy Efficiency
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Bipolar Electrodialysis directly converts lithium chloride to lithium hydroxide using electric current, bypassing the need for intermediate chemical reactions that are typically energy-intensive.
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Unlike traditional methods that might require high-temperature processing, Bipolar Electrodialysis at low temperature, significantly reducing energy consumption.
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Advances in membrane technology, including the development of low-resistance and high-permeability membranes, have enhanced the energy efficiency of the process. These improvements reduce the overall voltage required to drive ion transport, lowering energy costs.
We design and manufacture lab, pilot, and industrial scale solutions for Bipolar Electrodialysis.
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