Preliminary studies of lithium recovery technology from seawater by electrodialysis using ionic liquid membrane

► We have proposed a new method for Li recovery from seawater by electrodialysis using an ionic liquid PP13-TFSI. ► Only Li ions can significantly permeate this membrane and thus pass from the anode side to the cathode side. ► The Li concentration reached to 22.2% after 2 V, 2 h. ► It should be suitable for use in seawater desalination plants and for the recycling of used Li-ion batteries.