α-Al₂O₃ Networks on MLG Membranes for Continuous Lithium Ion Extraction from Artificial Sea Water with Enhanced Selectivity and Durability

Abstract

The escalating demand for lithium-ion batteries highlights the critical need for alternative lithium sources beyond limited terrestrial reserves. Seawater offers a promising yet challenging lithium resource due to its sub-ppm level Li⁺ concentration and the presence of competing cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺). Here, we present a multilayer graphene membrane decorated with α-phase Al₂O₃ networks (α-Al₂O₃/MLG) as a selective and durable platform for lithium extraction from seawater. This membrane leverages van der Waals gaps at Al₂O₃–MLG heterointerfaces and vertical channels formed at MLG grain boundary defects to achieve high Li⁺ selectivity. By integrating the membrane into an electrodialysis system, a stable Li⁺ flux of 0.084 mol h m⁻² was maintained over 100 h, which resulted in lithium purity and recovery rates of 88.9% and 88.6% from artificial seawater over three extraction cycles. These findings demonstrate the membrane's potential for selective lithium extraction from seawater while minimizing competing ion transport.

Keywords

Al₂O₃ / ion selectivity / lithium extraction / multilayer graphene / seawater

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2025 The Author(s). Energy & Environmental Materials published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Zhengzhou University.