Research progress on lithium isotopes separation by chemical exchange with crown ethers decorated materials

The separation of lithium isotopes (⁶Li and ⁷Li) is of great importance for the nuclear industry. The lithium amalgam method is the only lithium isotopes separation process in industry, and the extensive use of mercury has raised concerns about its potential environmental hazards, which have prompted the search for more efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives. Crown ethers can bind lithium ions highly selectively and separate lithium isotopes effectively. A chemical exchange-based lithium isotopes separation method using crown ether decorated materials could be a viable and cost-effective alternative to the lithium amalgam method. In this review, we provide a systematic summary of the recent advances in lithium isotopes separation using crown ethers decorated materials.