Lithium extraction by extractant confined in Pickering emulsion

Enze Li, Zelong Li, Qiancheng Xia, Feiyu Zhang, Zhangqi Liang, Zhaozan Xu, Guandao Gao (), Hu Li and Fangqin Cheng ()
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Enze Li: Shanxi University
Zelong Li: Shanxi University
Qiancheng Xia: Nanjing University
Feiyu Zhang: Nanjing University
Zhangqi Liang: Nanjing University
Zhaozan Xu: Shanxi University
Guandao Gao: Nanjing University
Hu Li: LTD
Fangqin Cheng: Shanxi University

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

Abstract: Abstract The global energy transformation towards electrification and decarbonization urgently requires a sustainable lithium supply. However, current solvent extraction technology suffers from extractant dissolution and low efficiency. Herein, we develop an oil-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsion with high stability using amphipathic SiO2 nanoparticles to confine tributyl phosphate (TBP) extractant within the oil phase for enhancing lithium extraction from salt-lake brine. Resultantly, the Pickering emulsion achieves a lithium recovery of 91.7% with Li-Mg separation factor (βLiMg) of 101.9 after only three-stage extraction and Li+ mass transfer rate (k) of 4.57 × 10−8 m/s, greatly outperforming the traditional TBP system (52.8% recovery, βLiMg = 12, k = 7.50 × 10−9 m/s). We propose that the tiny gaps between SiO2 particles serve as Li+ transport channels, in which the interfacial electric field generated by surface charges of SiO2 particles and the confinement effect within these gaps synergistically enhance Li+ dehydration and diffusion.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62927-z

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