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Adsorption-responsive bionic photothermal ion pump for reversible seawater lithium extraction

Author

Listed:
  • Zhen Yu

    (Taiyuan University of Technology
    City University of Hong Kong
    National University of Singapore)

  • Zhengyi Mao

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Shuai Guo

    (National University of Singapore)

  • Ying Li

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Xiaoran Cheng

    (Taiyuan University of Technology)

  • Chenyang Li

    (Taiyuan University of Technology)

  • Lanxi Li

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Fenghui Duan

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Wulong Li

    (Nanyang Technological University)

  • Yaoxin Zhang

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Meiling Wang

    (Taiyuan University of Technology)

  • Swee Ching Tan

    (National University of Singapore)

  • Jian Lu

    (City University of Hong Kong
    Shenzhen Research Institute)

Abstract

Lithium-ion sieve (LIS)-based adsorption technology offers a promising solution for seawater lithium extraction, as it overcomes the challenge posed by the high Na+/Li+ ratio. However, its broader application is hindered by the performance degradation and dissolution loss of LISs after granulation, as well as the low Li+ concentration in seawater. Herein, we propose an Albizia julibrissin-inspired adsorption-responsive photothermal ion pump (APIP) for enhanced and reversible Li+ extraction from seawater. The APIP integrates an interpenetrating network hydrogel with confined hydrogen manganese oxide (HMO) via an innovative in-situ crosslinking and ion-exchange strategy, ensuring the uniform distribution of HMO. The specific adsorption-responsive swelling behaviour of APIP exposes more adsorption sites, resulting in a high Li+ extraction capacity of 34 mg g-1 HMO, even surpassing HMO powders. Moreover, the low free water characteristics and the selective chelation of the polymer chain on Mn2+ effectively mitigate Mn dissolution. Under solar irradiation, the Li+ extraction kinetics of the APIP increased by a remarkable 2.9-fold owing to the evaporative convection and photothermal effects. Collectively, APIP overcomes the application key limitations of powdered LISs, and opens new avenues for seawater utilization and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhen Yu & Zhengyi Mao & Shuai Guo & Ying Li & Xiaoran Cheng & Chenyang Li & Lanxi Li & Fenghui Duan & Wulong Li & Yaoxin Zhang & Meiling Wang & Swee Ching Tan & Jian Lu, 2025. "Adsorption-responsive bionic photothermal ion pump for reversible seawater lithium extraction," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63890-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63890-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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