Constructing the 3D-conductive network-incorporated thick electrodes via melamine foam for lithium extraction

Improving the kinetic performance of thick electrodes is key to enhancing lithium extraction from salt lakes. Nano-melamine foam (MF), known for its unique porous structure, is ideal for building a three-dimensional (3D) conductive network, thereby boosting electrode kinetics. In our study, we developed a thick electrode (20 mg·g−1) with a 3D-conductive network by in-situ growing LiFePO4 (LFP) onto a nanoscale MF substrate. This electrode exhibited superior kinetic performance and a high lithium adsorption capacity in brine, achieving up to 32.8 mg·g−1 in just 10 min. Remarkably, even in simulated brine with a high Mg2+/Li+ ratio, it maintained an average coulomb efficiency of 62 %, significantly lowering the Mg2+/Li+ ratio from 65.6 to 0.47. It also showed exceptional stability in actual brine, maintaining an average coulomb efficiency of about 56.6 %. Our development of this high conductivity, thick electrode provides new insights into efficient lithium extraction methods.