Review maps nanofiltration strategies for separating magnesium and lithium from brines

A review in the Journal of Materials Science examines nanofiltration membranes for separating magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) from lithium ions (Li⁺) in high-Mg²⁺/Li⁺-ratio brines. The authors identify four separation mechanisms discussed in the literature: size sieving, Donnan exclusion, dielectric effects and ion competition. The review also emphasizes that the similar physicochemical properties of Mg²⁺ and Li⁺, combined with a complex multi-ion environment, make efficient separation challenging.

The review focuses on membrane-design approaches rather than reporting a new experiment or clinical study. Its discussion covers substrate regulation, interfacial polymerization and structural optimization of polyamide layers. It highlights emerging membrane concepts, including charged membranes, Janus membranes, biomimetic membranes and membranes containing sub-nanometer channels, which are described as having potential for improved selectivity. The authors also address operating conditions and coexisting ions so that performance considerations reflect realistic brine conditions.

According to the abstract, nanofiltration membranes are presented as promising because they combine low energy consumption with tunable selectivity for Mg²⁺/Li⁺ separation. However, the review does not provide a single quantified separation performance, flux value, energy comparison or durability result in the available summary. Its central contribution is an organized account of separation mechanisms and design strategies reported in recent membrane research.

The authors conclude that important challenges remain in membrane stability, fouling resistance and maintaining performance under high salinity. These limitations bound the current prospects described in the review: improved selectivity in a particular membrane system does not by itself establish reliable performance across complex brines. The review concludes by outlining future-development perspectives for nanofiltration membranes intended for lithium–magnesium separation.

Subject of Research: Review of nanofiltration membrane mechanisms and design strategies for magnesium–lithium separation from brines.

Article Title: Review: nanofiltration membranes for Mg2+/Li+ separation from brines: mechanisms and advanced design strategies

Article References: Yue, T., Li, H., Chen, X., Xiao, S., Wu, Y., & Yu, S. (2026). Review: nanofiltration membranes for Mg2+/Li+ separation from brines: mechanisms and advanced design strategies. Journal of Materials Science, 61(44), 34506-34534. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-026-13820-7

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1007/s10853-026-13820-7

Keywords: nanofiltration, magnesium separation, lithium extraction, salt-lake brines, polyamide membranes, size sieving, Donnan exclusion, ion competition, Janus membranes, fouling resistance, Review, membranes