With the rapid development of the global new energy industry, the demand for lithium resources has witnessed an explosive growth. Meanwhile, the recycling and circular utilization of lithium resources have become an important research direction for addressing resource scarcity, reducing environmental risks and achieving carbon neutrality goals. Hydrometallurgical processes have emerged as the mainstream technology in the field of lithium resource extraction and recycling due to their advantages of being green, efficienct, environmental friendly and high process controllability. To promote technological innovation and academic exchanges in this field, this journal plans to publish a Special Column on “Lithium Resource Extraction and Recycling” in 2026, focusing on the latest progress of hydrometallurgical processes in the extraction, recovery and recycling of lithium resources. The specific notice is as follows:

I. Call for Papers Topics

1. Green hydrometallurgical new processes for lithium extraction from raw materials such as salt lake brine and spodumene

2. Hydrometallurgical recovery processes for secondary lithium-containing resources such as spent lithium-ion batteries and catalysts

3. Novel separation and purification technologies such as membrane separation and electrochemical methods

4. Development and application of novel materials such as leaching agents, extractants, ion exchange resins and adsorbents 

5. Impurity separation and lithium purity improvement technologies in hydrometallurgical lithium extraction processes

6. Application of artificial intelligence in the optimization of lithium extraction/recovery processes

II. Submission Requirements

1. Content Requirements

Original, unpublished research papers and review articles with innovation, scientificity and practicality are welcome. Manuscripts shall be supported by detailed research data and thorough arguments, and comply with academic standards. Multiple submissions are strictly prohibited. All manuscripts must undergo the peer-review process and will be rejected if not accepted.

2. Format Requirements

Please refer to the manuscript template of Hydrometallurgy of China (available in the Download Center on the official website).

3. Timeline

Submission Deadline: 30 April 2026

III. Submission Method

Please submit manuscripts through the official submission system of Hydrometallurgy of China (https://sfyj.cbpt.cnki.net) and note “Special Column on Lithium Resource Extraction and Recycling” in your submission.

IV.Contact Information

E-mail: shifayejin@cnmstc.com

Tel: 010-51675321

We look forward to your participation in jointly advancing the innovation and development of lithium resource recycling technologies!