Zeolite imidazolium skeleton-coated titanium oxide ionic sieve nanomaterials embedded in gels for solar-enhanced lithium extraction from salt lake brines

Lithium is vital for energy transformation, but traditional extraction methods from salt lakes face challenges due to magnesium ion interference. To overcome this, we developed HTO@ZIF, a hybrid nanomaterial that combines titanium hydroxide (HTO) with a zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF), increasing lithium adsorption capacity by 2.5 times compared to pure HTO at pH 8.0. We also designed a solar microevaporator system that enhances lithium recovery while managing the water footprint of hypersaline brines. With 98% solar energy harvesting efficiency, the system raises local temperature, promoting Li + extraction and solar steam generation. The photothermal effect, enhanced water flux, and Li + enrichment in nanospaces lead to a double-enhanced lithium recovery, increasing from 10.95 to 20.29 mg·g −1 . The system also accelerates adsorption kinetics, reaching saturation in 4 h, twice as fast as at 295K, improving efficiency while reducing water and carbon consumption, contributing to carbon neutrality goals. Graphical abstract