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Efficient cation separation based on humidity control and adsorption

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • 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, 2025. "Efficient cation separation based on humidity control and adsorption," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-65607-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65607-0
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