Methods and apparatus for integrated alkali metal extraction are disclosed. Various exchange media are used to separate a chosen alkali metal, usually lithium, from a source stream and render the alkali metal into a product. In some cases, absorption/desorption processes, using solid and/or liquid absorption media, are used to purify a brine stream into a concentrate stream having elevated concentration of the desired alkali metal. Various processes, which may include use of liquid absorbents, electrochemical processing, centrifugation, evaporation, electrical mixing and separation, or combinations thereof, are used to separate the chosen metal from the source, and aqueous streams are recycled among the processes to facilitate the various separations.

System and methods for producing lithium metal from an anodic half-cell and a cathodic half-cell with a lithium permeable membrane therebetween.

System and methods for producing lithium metal from an anodic half-cell and a cathodic half-cell with a lithium permeable membrane therebetween.

New dual temperature electrochemical methods and systems for the production of sodium metal from sodium polysulfides have been discovered. The technology provides high conductivity for sodium ions and extended service life for the electrochemical cell.

New dual temperature electrochemical methods and systems for the production of sodium metal from sodium polysulfides have been discovered. The technology provides high conductivity for sodium ions and extended service life for the electrochemical cell.

Provided are nanoporous materials (including nanoporous metals) and related methods of fabricating the disclosed materials. The disclosed materials are useful in supporting chemical reactions, including the on-board production of hydrogen from water by way of contacting the water to the disclosed materials.

Drilling device comprising an actuator comprising an actuator body and a rod bearing at its free end a drill bit, a tubular sheath secured to the actuator body and comprising walls surrounding the drill bit and a lower opening, a system for detecting contact between the drill bit and the electrolyte bath by analysis of an electric signal; the tubular sheath being secured to the actuator body by means of an electrically insulating fastener, and the rod and the drill bit being remote from the walls of the tubular sheath when the drill bit is moved with respect to at least one lower portion of the tubular sheath and below the lower opening.

Drilling device comprising an actuator comprising an actuator body and a rod bearing at its free end a drill bit, a tubular sheath secured to the actuator body and comprising walls surrounding the drill bit and a lower opening, a system for detecting contact between the drill bit and the electrolyte bath by analysis of an electric signal; the tubular sheath being secured to the actuator body by means of an electrically insulating fastener, and the rod and the drill bit being remote from the walls of the tubular sheath when the drill bit is moved with respect to at least one lower portion of the tubular sheath and below the lower opening.

This invention relates to a method for the preparation of lithium carbonate from lithium chloride containing brines. The method can include a silica removal step, capturing lithium chloride, recovering lithium chloride, supplying lithium chloride to an electrochemical cell and producing lithium hydroxide, contacting the lithium hydroxide with carbon dioxide to produce lithium carbonate.

This invention relates to a method for the preparation of lithium carbonate from lithium chloride containing brines. The method can include a silica removal step, capturing lithium chloride, recovering lithium chloride, supplying lithium chloride to an electrochemical cell and producing lithium hydroxide, contacting the lithium hydroxide with carbon dioxide to produce lithium carbonate.