Zhang J.Tanjedrew N.Wenzel M.Royla P.Du H.Kiatisevi S.Lindoy L.F.Weigand J.J.Mahidol University2023-05-192023-05-192023-03-20Angewandte Chemie - International Edition Vol.62 No.13 (2023)14337851https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/81702Ensuring continuous and sustainable lithium supply requires the development of highly efficient separation processes such as LLE (liquid-liquid extraction) for both primary sources and certain waste streams. In this work, 4-phosphoryl pyrazolones are used in an efficient pH-controlled stepwise separation of Li+ from Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+. The factors affecting LLE process, such as the substitution pattern of the extractant, diluent/water distribution, co-ligand, pH, and speciation of the metal complexes involved, were systematically investigated. The maximum extraction efficiency of Li+ at pH 6.0 was 94 % when Mg2+ and Ca2+ were previously separated at pH<5.0, proving that the separation of these ions is possible by simply modulating the pH of the aqueous phase. Our study points a way to separation of lithium from acid brine or from spent lithium ion battery leaching solutions, which supports the future supply of lithium in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.Chemical EngineeringArticleSCOPUS10.1002/anie.2022160112-s2.0-851471111971521377336625760