Energy reclamation and carbon-neutral system for critical mineral extraction
US12148902B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 16, 2023 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 16, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/20
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The presently disclosed concepts relate to green battery recycling systems and critical mineral reclamation and refinement. Alkali metal extraction (and in particular lithium extraction) is accomplished using a solid electrolyte membrane in combination with electrodes in a redox configuration. The energy used to initially extract lithium from a feed solution is stored as electrochemical energy, which electrochemical energy is reclaimed in subsequent reclamation processing steps. This reclamation may further allow for lithium to be converted to lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, or purified to a minimum purity of 99.9% lithium by mass. These extraction and reclamation steps may performed in continuous ultra-efficient ongoing cycles. Since irrecoverable energy losses incurred in each cycle are limited to negligible amounts of joule heating of the system components and feed solution, the system can be sustainably powered using locally-generated renewable energy, which in turn, provides for a green and sustainable solution for lithium recycling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.