Photothermal-Driven Micromotor for Enhanced Lithium Extraction from Salt-Lake Brines
writer：Shihao Ding, Ran Niu* et al.
keywords：lithium capture; micromotor
source：期刊
Issue time：2026年
Lithium has emerged as a critical strategic resource for renewable energy applications. However, conventional adsorption-based lithium extraction technologies are often hindered by slow kinetics and limited adsorption capacity. In this study, we developed near-infrared (NIR) and solar light-driven micromotors for efficient lithium extraction from salt-lake brines. These micromotors were fabricated via inverse emulsion crosslinking, incorporating poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), ion sieve (HMn?O?), and Fe?O? nanoparticles. The photothermal conversion capability and thermally induced self-propulsion of these micromotors overcome the diffusion limitations of traditional static adsorbents, significantly enhancing lithium adsorption kinetics and capacity. Under solar irradiation of 0.1 W cm?2, the micromotors achieved a lithium uptake capacity of 34.5 ± 1.1 mg g?1 in a 50 ppm Li+ solution within 1.5 h, which is 1.23 times higher than the adsorption capacity obtained in the dark after 5 h. Additionally, the integration of superparamagnetic Fe?O? nanoparticles enables facile magnetic recovery and recyclability. When applied to a high-salinity simulated brine (20 g/L) with an initial Mg2+/Li+ ratio of 160, the micromotors effectively reduced the ratio to 0.7, demonstrating exceptional selectivity. This self-propelled micromotor system presents a promising strategy for designing intelligent materials for sustainable lithium resource recovery.