Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
7020651 | Journal of Membrane Science | 2016 | 57 Pages |
Abstract
A polysulfone (PSf)-based mixed matrix nanofiber (MMN) dispersed with particulate lithium ion sieves (LIS) was developed as a flow-through membrane Li+ adsorber. The MMN was prepared via electrospinning, thermal annealing, and acid pickling (i.e. activated LIS: Li0.67H0.96Mn1.58O4 or MO). The unique dimensional property of the macroporous MMN promoted high MO exposure and distribution on the nanofiber surface. Minimal losses in Li+ adsorption capacity and kinetics, elicited by the PSf matrix, were observed. Moreover, the PSf matrix effectively improved the Li+ selectivity of MO as it alleviated the sorption of interfering cations. As membranes, the MMNs were highly permeable to water under minimal trans-membrane pressure. The convective flow of seawater through the highly accessible MMN facilitated the fast Li+ transport to the MO surface. Breakthrough studies revealed that a balance between kinetics and dynamic Li+ adsorption capacity could be obtained at optimal seawater/MMN contact time, which was easily achieved by adjusting the feed flow-rate or MMN thickness. Continuous flow-through operations were successfully controlled at a very short adsorption-desorption cycle time (one day) while maintaining the dynamic Li+ adsorption capacity of the MMN. Cycled operations confirmed the regenerability of the MMN and its adsorption performance consistency. Enrichment of Li+ was successfully done by repeated Li+ desorption in a small volume of acid solution. Overall results demonstrated the strong potential of the flow-through MMN membrane adsorber for continuous Li+ recovery from alternative resources like seawater.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Filtration and Separation
Authors
Myoung Jun Park, Grace M. Nisola, Eleazer L. Vivas, Lawrence A. Limjuco, Chosel P. Lawagon, Jeong Gil Seo, Hern Kim, Ho Kyong Shon, Wook-Jin Chung,