Lithium-ion sieve adsorbents for brine-based lithium extraction: a comprehensive review on synthesis strategies, mechanisms, and performance assessment

作者：Keke Zhi, Zimeng Liu, Qiongyu Li, Jianyu Yang, Lianting Huang, A. Yin, Guifan Gong, Jiaxuan Zhang, Yinbo Yuan, Xinyi Sun, Dong Liu · 发表于：Results in Chemistry · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1016/j.rechem.2026.103677 · 研究领域：Extraction and Separation Processes、Bauxite Residue and Utilization、Advancements in Battery Materials

Addressing the core challenges in lithium extraction from salt lake brines, such as complex brine composition, low lithium concentration, and the limitations of conventional methods, including poor selectivity and high operational costs, lithium-ion sieve (LIS) adsorption technology has emerged as a promising solution owing to its exceptional selectivity and remarkable cycling stability. This work provides a systematic review of the primary synthesis methods for LIS adsorbents, including lithium titanium oxide type LIS (LTO-LIS) and lithium manganese oxide type LIS (LMO-LIS), such as solid-state reaction, sol-gel, hydrothermal, and coprecipitation methods. It focuses on analyzing the characteristics and advantages of each approach in the precise control over the crystal structure, micromorphology, and particle size of the materials. Furthermore, it discusses modification strategies such as elemental doping, which can effectively enhance adsorption capacity, accelerate adsorption kinetics, and significantly inhibit the dissolution of active components during cycling, thereby improving structural stability and cyclic life. Regarding the adsorption mechanism, this review outlines the prevailing theoretical models, mainly including the ion-exchange mechanism, redox mechanism, and their synergistic composite mechanism. Enhancing the mechanical strength of ion sieves, through approaches such as granulation, foaming technology, and electrospun fiber membranes, is crucial for achievi...