Development and optimisation of titanium-based lithium-ion sieves through solid-state synthesis for high-efficiency Brine lithium recovery
摘要
The growing global demand for lithium, driven by its pivotal role in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, necessitates the development of efficient and sustainable recovery strategies. This study introduces a systematic optimisation approach for synthesising titanium-based lithium-ion sieves (Li2TiO3/LTO) via a solid-state reaction using TiO2 and Li2CO3 as precursors, followed by delithiation to produce H2TiO3 (HTO). The effects of calcination temperature, heating rate, and Li/Ti molar ratio on structural and functional properties were systematically investigated. Optimal synthesis conditions (Li/Ti ratio 2.0, 850 °C, 9 °C/min) yielded an adsorption capacity of ~ 65 mg/g. Advanced characterisation (XRD, SEM, FTIR, ICP-OES, PSA) confirmed phase purity, nanoscale morphology, and successful delithiation. Kinetic modelling identified the three-dimensional diffusion (Jander) model as most appropriate, with activation energy and pre-exponential factors increasing at higher Li/Ti ratios. Reusability testing demonstrated that HTO outperformed Mn-based sieves, maintaining 55 mg/g after 10 cycles with a Ti dissolution rate of 2.5%. An economic assessment further highlighted the lower operational cost and environmental burden of Ti-based sieves compared to Mn-based alternatives. Overall, the optimised HTO exhibits high adsorption capacity, superior cyclic stability, and economic feasibility, positioning it as a strong candidate for scalable and sustainable lithium recovery from brine.
Graphical abstract