Direct numerical simulation of continuous lithium extraction from high Mg2+/Li+ ratio brines using microfluidic channels with ion concentration polarization

A novel ion concentration polarization-based microfluidic device is proposed for continuous extraction of Li+ from high Mg2+/Li+ ratio brines. With simultaneous application of the cross-channel voltage that drives electroosmotic flow and the cross-membrane voltage that induces ion depletion, Li+ is concentrated much more significantly than other cations in front of the membrane in the microchannel. The application of external pressure produces a fluid flow that drags a portion of Li+ (and Na+) to flow through the microchannel, while keeping most of Mg2+ (and K+) blocked, thus implementing continuous Li+ extraction. Two-dimensional numerical simulation using a microchannel of 120 mu m length and 4 mu m height and a model, highly concentrated brine, shows that the system may produce a continuous flow rate of 1.72 mm/s, extracting 25.6% of Li+, with a Li+/Mg2+ flux ratio of 2.81x10(3), at an external pressure of 100 Pa and cross-membrane voltage of 100 times of thermal voltages (25.8 mV). Fundamental mechanisms of the system are elaborated and effects of the crossmembrane voltage and the external pressure are analyzed. These results and findings provide clear guidance for the understanding and designing of microfluidic devices not only for Li+ extraction, but also for other ionic or molecular separations.