Lithium selectivity of lithium manganate and silica nano-composite materials

Abstract

Worldwide production and consumption of lithium products have been growing rapidly over the past few years.Savinell, R.F., Burney, H.S., Jr,J. Electrochem. Soc., 1990,137, 10,491C ,Gibbons, D.W., Pillay, G., J. Electrochem. Soc., 1995, 142, 10, 360 The total world mine production of lithium has increased from 4600 tons in 1988 to an estimated 5800 tons, excluding US. production, in 1994. The value of lithium production in the US. was estimated at $100 million in 1994. Consumption of lithium is projected to increase to 11900 tons by the year 2000, up from 7900 tons in 1985. Lithium is used in many applications:Elmsley, J., The Elements, Oxford University Press, 1996, 3rd edition heat transfer applications (lithium has the highest specific heat capacity of all the elements); metal alloys; synthesis of organic compounds; nuclear applications; battery anodes; use in dry cells and storage batteries; strengthening glasses and ceramics; high temperature lubricants; air conditioning for removal of water and carbon dioxide; treatment for manic depression. Miller, M.W., Wall Street Journal, 1994, September 23, 1 The traditional method of producing lithium compounds is to mine lithium containing minerals, such as spodumene, then refine them. However there has been increasing interest in obtaining lithium compounds from seawater and geothermal brines by using materials that selectively absorb lithium ions from solutions containing high concentrations of other metal ions.