Ferrofluid design for lithium extraction systems
Ferrofluid design for lithium extraction systems
Description:
Lithium is an essential element for the current energy transition, and selective extraction of this element from natural resources (such as underground water reservoirs) is topic for many researchers. However, challenges are still present on the separation of Li over Na, typically due to the similar properties and higher concentrations of the last. Solvent extraction (SX) is one of the techniques employed to extract lithium. Extraction solvents are typically composed of an extractant (active molecule that interacts with lithium), and a diluent (liquid medium where the extractant is dissolved). Recently, the use of ferrofluids (dispersions of magnetic nanoparticles, MNP) in liquid-liquid extractions (LLX) has gained attention, and we are interested because it may facilitate the phase separation via magnetic fields. Additionally, it is reported that the use of FeCl3 together with a phosphate-based compound can also extract lithium and we anticipate that there is a chance that MNP can improve the extraction of lithium.
Approach:
In this study, we aim to integrate magnetic nanoparticles in a system to perform Li extractions over Na (example shown in Figure 1). For this, a suitable organic carrier and coating should be selected first, in order obtain a stable ferrofluid. Phosphonic acid-based surfactants displayed good preliminary results and can be a starting point. In addition, analysis of the particle size distribution and colloidal and chemical stability are of interest. Secondly, batch Li extractions using ferrofluids should be done in order to understand what the effect of the particles in the system and their interaction with other elements is. Thirdly, perform counter current ferrofluid extractions using systems previously tested in batch.
Supervisors:
Paulo Palhão, MSc (daily supervisor) - p.a.dasilvapalhao@utwente.nl
Prof.dr.ir. Boelo Schuur (supervisor) - b.schuur@utwente.nl
The objectives of this study are:
- Investigate the use of different hydrophobic coatings in the stability of organic-based ferrofluids
- Perform batch Li extractions using the developed ferrofluid and evaluate the effect of particles compared to a typical solvent extraction
- Implement one or more systems in a counter current ferrofluid Li extraction setup