Fast and stable lithium extraction enabled by less-defective graphene supported LiMn2O4 conductive networks in hybrid capacitive deionization.

An LMO-based electrode supported by less-defective, interconnected graphene conductive networks is proposed for fast and stable Li+ extraction from brine using HCDI. The rGO/LMO electrode delivers a high Li+ adsorption capacity of 4.34 mmol·g−1 with an rapid adsorption rate of 0.33 (mmol·g−1)·min−1, achieving a separation factor of 71.32 at a Mg2+/Li+ molar ratio of 20. By applying rGO/LMO electrodes to the simulated Atacama brine, the separation factor of Li+ from Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ are 473.89, 74.86, 63.07, and 38.55. Particularly, rGO/LMO electrode shows a remarkable cycling stability with a capacity retention rate of 90.73% (50 cycles). This developed less-defective graphene-wrapped LMO electrode holds significant importance in enhancing selective Li+ extraction performance with fast rate and stability. [Display omitted] • An rGO/LMO is proposed for fast and stable Li+ extraction using HCDI. • rGO/LMO achieves a high Li+ adsorption capacity and rate. • rGO/LMO shows excellently Li+ selective extraction from brine. • rGO/LMO displays outstanding cyclical performance of 50 cycles. Hybrid capacitive deionization (HCDI) technology for lithium (Li+) extraction from brine has received growing concern owing to its easy operation, low energy consumption, and environmental friendliness. LiMn 2 O 4 (LMO) as an affordable Li+ extraction material offers a high theoretical capacity, while the slow ion insertion kinetics and unavoidable Mn dissolution restrict its wide usage. Herein, an LMO-based electrode supported by less-defective (inherent lattice defects and oxygen-containing defects), interconnected graphene conductive networks is proposed for fast and stable Li+ extraction from brine using HCDI. The rGO/LMO electrode displays an excellent conductivity of 0.42 S·cm−1 and a high specific capacitance of 418.26 F·g−1. In the HCDI system, the rGO/LMO electrode delivers a Li+ adsorption capacity up to 4.34 mmol·g−1 with a rapid adsorption rate of 0.33 mmol·g−1·min−1 (0.05 mol·L–1 LiCl, 1.0 V), demonstrating both of the outstanding adsorption capacity and rate abilities as defined by Ragone plots. In a solution with a high Mg2+/Li+ molar ratio of 20, the separation factor can reach 71.32. By employing rGO/LMO electrode to simulated Atacama brine, the separation factor of Li+ from Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ are calculated to be 473.89, 74.86, 63.07, and 38.55. Particularly, the rGO/LMO electrode shows remarkable cycling stability with a capacity retention rate of 90.73 % (50 cycles). This developed less-defective graphene-wrapped LMO electrode holds significant importance in enhancing selective Li+ extraction performance with fast rate and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]