Patent ID: 8715482
Filing Date: 2014-05-06
Classification: C25C

Abstract:
1. A process for producing lithium from lithium carbonate which comprises: a. Providing lithium carbonate and at least an acid selected from sulfuric acid, trifluoromethane sulfonic acid, fluorosulfonic acid, triflouroboric acid, trifluoroactetic acid, trifluorosilicic acid and kinetically hindered acids in an aqueous solvent wherein lithium anion is dissolved in the solvent forming a lithium feed solution; b. Providing an anode in contact with the solution; c. Providing a liquid metal cathode suitable for electrolysis of lithium, wherein the liquid metal cathode is in contact with the solution forms an electrolysis cell; d. Providing electric current to the electrolysis cell thereby producing lithium at the liquid metal cathode, forming an alloy with the liquid metal cathode; e. isolating lithium metal from the liquid metal cathode; wherein the isolating of lithium is conducted by an extraction process using a suitable extraction solvent.