Author Numberone1* (Ana Garcia-Gonzalez), Author Numbertwo2 (Joerg Hansmann)

1 Agilent Technologies Australia, 2 Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH

*Ana.Garcia-Gonzalez@agilent.com

Lithium brine is saline groundwater enriched with dissolved lithium. They are essential for refining and producing commercial-grade lithium needed for Lithium-ion battery production. Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) is one process used to concentrate the lithium from the brine. Monitoring the elemental constituents through the DLE process is critical to maximize Lithium salt yield whilst minimizing energy consumption. There are challenges to ICPOES analysis posed by high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in lithium brine samples, including ionization interferences, high background signals, and physical and spectral interferences.

The Agilent ICP-OES Automation System, featuring the Advanced Dilution System (ADS 2), is a solution to these challenges. The system automates common dilution tasks, improves data accuracy through fitted and FACT background correction, and enhances productivity by minimizing downtime and remeasurement.

Real lithium brine samples were used to demonstrate the system’s ability to handle complex matrices and deliver precise and accurate measurements. Benefits to production chemists include increased efficiency, reduced human error, and improved sample throughput.