Adsorption-responsive bionic photothermal ion pump for reversible seawater lithium extraction

Zhen Yu, Zhengyi Mao, Shuai Guo, Ying Li, Xiaoran Cheng, Chenyang Li, Lanxi Li, Fenghui Duan, Wulong Li, Yaoxin Zhang, Meiling Wang (), Swee Ching Tan () and Jian Lu ()
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Zhen Yu: Taiyuan University of Technology
Zhengyi Mao: City University of Hong Kong
Shuai Guo: National University of Singapore
Ying Li: City University of Hong Kong
Xiaoran Cheng: Taiyuan University of Technology
Chenyang Li: Taiyuan University of Technology
Lanxi Li: City University of Hong Kong
Fenghui Duan: City University of Hong Kong
Wulong Li: Nanyang Technological University
Yaoxin Zhang: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Meiling Wang: Taiyuan University of Technology
Swee Ching Tan: National University of Singapore
Jian Lu: City University of Hong Kong

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Lithium-ion sieve (LIS)-based adsorption technology offers a promising solution for seawater lithium extraction, as it overcomes the challenge posed by the high Na+/Li+ ratio. However, its broader application is hindered by the performance degradation and dissolution loss of LISs after granulation, as well as the low Li+ concentration in seawater. Herein, we propose an Albizia julibrissin-inspired adsorption-responsive photothermal ion pump (APIP) for enhanced and reversible Li+ extraction from seawater. The APIP integrates an interpenetrating network hydrogel with confined hydrogen manganese oxide (HMO) via an innovative in-situ crosslinking and ion-exchange strategy, ensuring the uniform distribution of HMO. The specific adsorption-responsive swelling behaviour of APIP exposes more adsorption sites, resulting in a high Li+ extraction capacity of 34 mg g-1 HMO, even surpassing HMO powders. Moreover, the low free water characteristics and the selective chelation of the polymer chain on Mn2+ effectively mitigate Mn dissolution. Under solar irradiation, the Li+ extraction kinetics of the APIP increased by a remarkable 2.9-fold owing to the evaporative convection and photothermal effects. Collectively, APIP overcomes the application key limitations of powdered LISs, and opens new avenues for seawater utilization and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63890-5

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