Sustainable Lithium Recovery Using Li/Al LDHs Synthesized from Aluminium Multi-Layer Plastic Waste: A Resource Upcycling Approach
摘要
Lithium is vital for green technologies, driving the need for sustainable recovery methods. Direct lithium extraction (DLE) from brine offers an environmentally friendly approach, with lithium–aluminium layered double hydroxides (Li/Al LDHs) providing high selectivity and minimal environmental impact. Traditional synthesis of Li/Al LDHs typically uses expensive, high-purity metal salts. This research introduces a more economical and eco-friendly process using aluminium multi-layer plastic waste as the primary material. The goal is to upcycle the waste into NaAl(OH)4 solution, hydrogen gas, and plastic residue. Further, the NaAl(OH)4 is utilized to synthesize Li/Al LDHs and precipitator. A two-step process converted aluminium waste into NaAl(OH)₄ and hydrogen, then produced Li/Al LDHs through co-precipitation with lithium chloride. XRD and FTIR assessments validated the Crystallization of Li/AL LDHs. Adsorption experiments with synthetic and natural brine revealed a maximum uptake of 9.47 mg of ion lithium per gram of adsorbent and retain 96.4% % capacity and a cumulative mass loss of 6.7% after eight adsorption-desorption cycles. In addition, sequential co-precipitation with Bleduk Kuwu brine reached 88% magnesium and 71.4% lithium recovery, highlighting effective selective separation. The study provides sustainable approaches for aluminium waste upcycling and lithium recovery, promoting eco-friendly waste management and resource conservation.