Electrodialysis Technology for Lithium Purification

Date: January 2025

In early 2025, Licube introduced a new standard in lithium processing: the electrochemical purification of lithium compounds to 4N-grade (≥99.99%) using its proprietary electrodialysis system.

While most companies focused on extraction or chemical conversion, Licube advanced the final stage — purification — achieving the ultra-high purity required for aerospace, semiconductor, and fusion applications.

The process removed critical impurities such as Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, and Si to below 1 ppm through electric-field-driven separation, without acids, bases, or solvents.

It proved to be zero-chemical, zero-waste, and powered entirely by renewable electricity — setting a new benchmark for precision and sustainability in lithium production.

Ways to Work with Licube

Licube’s electrochemical purification platform established two complementary pathways:

Purification as a Service (Tolling Model)

Partners could supply pre-concentrated lithium chloride or hydroxide feedstocks, and Licube returned 4N-grade purified lithium hydroxide.

This “final-polishing” service addressed the industry’s persistent challenge of achieving consistent purity beyond conventional refining or chemical conversion.

Direct Product Supply

In parallel, Licube produced and sold its own 4N-grade lithium hydroxide for customers in high-performance sectors where purity and reliability were critical — from advanced batteries to next-generation fusion and semiconductor materials.

Through these pathways, Licube positioned itself as both a trusted purification partner and a premium materials supplier — connecting cutting-edge science with commercial demand.

Built on Fusion-Grade Science

Licube’s technology originated from Japanese university research on lithium isotope separation for nuclear fusion.

From that foundation, the team developed a three-electrode, dual-power-supply electrodialysis architecture optimized for high selectivity and throughput even at low lithium concentrations.

Since 2018, Licube has filed five international patents covering its core design and operating principles, reinforcing its leadership in electrochemical lithium purification.

Local, Low-Carbon, and Scalable

With facilities in Houston, Texas, and Aomori, Japan, Licube began building a global network for local, low-carbon lithium purification.

Because its systems could be co-located with DLE, refining, or recycling plants, any country with lithium feedstock could in principle produce 4N-grade lithium locally, minimizing transport and environmental impact.

Licube’s mission at that time was clear: to make ultra-high-purity lithium accessible anywhere through sustainable electrochemical technology.

Interested in Collaboration?

For all inquiries or pre-order registrations, please reach out via the form below or by email at info@licube3.com.