An ionic liquid extractant dissolved in an ionic liquid diluent for selective extraction of Li(I) from salt lakes

An efficient recovery of lithium (Li(I)) from salt lakes is currently a challenging issue. Herein, we report feasible extraction Li(I) simulated lake solution using novel system, in which functionalized ionic liquid (FIL) dissolved different diluent. As functional extractant, 3-methyl-1-octylimidazolium thenoyltrifluoroacetone [Omim][TTA] was successfully prepared simple way and its performance for evaluated. The effects pH metal concentration on extraction, as well the stripping property, were systematically investigated. It found that FIL could effectively act extractant over wide range pH, even under acidic conditions. ability markedly enhanced by use an obtained results demonstrated extracted aqueous into liquids with high efficiency five-cycle reusability test. Furthermore, solution, selectively separation factor 227 Na(I), whereas Na(I) K(I) remained feed solution. • mechanism elucidated. concentrations interfering ions. Na(I).