Efficient cation separation based on humidity control and adsorption

Jinjiang Liang, Xin Chen, Changming Li, Yining Zhang, Jiahao Feng, Chuxin Wu, Yunqing Yang, Ning Xue, Xinshui Zhang, Yihang Yang, Tianyi Gao, Ran Wei, Jiameng Yu, Xiangchen Hu, Yue Zhang, Yi Yu and Wei Liu ()
Additional contact information
Jinjiang Liang: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy
Xin Chen: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy
Changming Li: ShanghaiTech University, School of Information Science and Technology
Yining Zhang: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy
Jiahao Feng: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy
Chuxin Wu: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy
Yunqing Yang: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy
Ning Xue: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy
Xinshui Zhang: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy
Yihang Yang: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy
Tianyi Gao: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy
Ran Wei: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy
Jiameng Yu: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy
Xiangchen Hu: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy
Yue Zhang: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy
Yi Yu: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy
Wei Liu: ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Precise ion sieving techniques are of great importance in various fields including the energy and environment. However, existing extraction methods, often associated with environmental risks, are lack of selectivity, time-consuming, and high cost. Here, we report a high-capacity sorbent made of polyacrylonitrile-chitosan composite spheres, capable of selectively adsorbing alkali or alkaline earth metal salts through controlled humidity levels, leveraging their distinct deliquescent humidity ranges. For lithium extraction specifically, this method demonstrates an extremely high adsorption capacity of 133.60 mg g-1, far above all existing adsorbents and sieves. Moreover, a rapid adsorption rate of 83.64 mg g-1 h-1 is achieved, with a high selectivity and a recovery rate. Crucially, this approach is heralded for its environmental friendliness, cost-efficiency, and low energy consumption.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65607-0

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