Method For Recycling Alkaliating Solvent
AssigneeNanoscale Components, Inc.
InventorsChristopher J. ALLEN, Suraj S. DESPHANDE, Robert W. GRANT, Asela Maha ACHARIGE, Joanna L. Sparkes TURTELTAUB, Ronald A. WOHL
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Abstract
The present invention relates to methods of removing the byproduct halogen gas trapped in anhydrous organic solvents such as gamma-butyrolactone, wherein the trapped species preferably form alkali metal complexes such as alkali metal superhalides, comprising adding lithium oxide or ammonia.
Claims27
A method of alkaliating a material in an anhydrous organic solvent comprising the steps:
- (a) providing the material;
- (b) providing a bath comprising an anhydrous organic solvent having at least one dissolved alkali halide salt, wherein said bath contacts the material, preferably in a continuous process;
- (c) providing an electrolytic field plate wherein said field plate establishes a field between the material and the field plate;
- (d) applying a reducing current to the material and an oxidizing current to the field plate, wherein alkali ions from the bath alkaliate into the material, thereby producing an alkaliated material and a waste solution;
- (e) contacting the waste solution with ammonia to form a precipitate and a reformed organic solvent;
- and
- (f) removing the precipitate.
A method of purifying an organic solvent comprising a complex formed by halogen gas and alkali metal halide (such as lithium superhalide) comprising (a) contacting the organic solvent with ammonia thereby forming a precipitate and a purified organic solvent;
- and (b) removing the precipitate.
A process comprising contacting an organic solvent comprising a superhalide alkali metal complex with ammonia to form a precipitate.
(canceled)
A composition comprising gamma-butyrolactone, lithium chloride, and a trapped chlorine gas, wherein the trapped chlorine gas at least partially forms a complex with lithium chloride.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.