An ion permeable membrane for selective permeation of a target ion, preferably lithium, through the membrane, the membrane comprising a target ion permeable composite comprises a target ion permeable ceramic and at least one organic polymer associated with the target ion permeable ceramic.

A lithium recovery method includes a process of agitating a treated member of an inactivated lithium ion secondary battery in pure water, dispersing a water-soluble solid electrolyte contained in the treated member into pure water, a filtrate, a separation liquid after extraction, or a mixed liquid of the pure water, the filtrate and the separation liquid after extraction to prepare a dispersion liquid, a process of separating solids contained in the dispersion liquid to recover a separation liquid, and a process of extracting a lithium hydroxide aqueous solution from the separation liquid by electrodialysis using a cation exchange membrane.

Provided are systems and methods for multi-process generators employing fermentation, desalination, and electrolysis technologies. The generator system includes a fermentation compartment configured to receive a mixture of biomass waste and an anaerobic microorganism solution comprising bacteria for bioenergy production; an electrolysis compartment configured to receive an electrolyte solution comprising a saline mixture, the electrolysis compartment including first and second spaced apart electrodes at least partially submerged in the electrolyte solution; and a desalination compartment positioned between the fermentation compartment and the electrolysis compartment, the desalination compartment configured to receive a saline solution and comprising an anion exchange membrane separating the desalination compartment from the electrolysis compartment and a cation exchange membrane separating the desalination compartment from the fermentation compartment, wherein the desalination compartment is configured to perform ion exchange processes to produce freshwater.

A device for treating polymer membranes are disclosed. The device includes a membrane and at least one spacer that defines flow channels along the membrane surface and provides openings for solution contact between adjacent layers. A liquid treatment solution is circulated through the device to enable ion exchange, conditioning, or quaternization of the membrane. In embodiments, the membrane and spacer are wound in a spiral around a tube and arranged inside a housing. A pump circulates the treatment solution through the housing to ensure uniform contact and reaction.

Disclosed are a system and methods for producing lithium hydroxide directly from natural brine by an electrochemical approach. In one example version of the system, an electrochemical cell operates in two states. In one state, lithium cations (Li.sup.+) intercalate into a first electrode from the brine, and sodium cations (Na.sup.+) deintercalate from a second electrode into the brine. In another state, lithium cations deintercalate from the first electrode into a dilute lithium hydroxide (LiOH) solution, and sodium cations intercalate to the second electrode from a concentrated sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. Hydroxide anions (OH.sup.) transport through an anion exchange membrane to combine with lithium cations (Li.sup.+) to form LiOH, continuously increasing its concentration.