Membrane separation technology, the mainstream of lithium extraction from salt lake brine in China, has a great strategic significance for the development of lithium resources and new energy in China. Based on the research results published in top international journals in 2023, this paper reviews the important studies of lithium extraction from salt lake brine by membrane method from the aspects of membrane modification, process parameter optimization, and multiple membrane processes, and provides a reference for the latest developments in the field. Membrane modification research mainly focuses on enhancing the electropositivity and permeability of the membrane, which aims to overcome the trade-off effect. The optimization of process parameters, which is conducive to the separation potential of high-performance membranes, requires further in-depth research. Being capable of realizing ultra-high purity Li⁺ enrichment, the multistage membrane coupling process is an important way for membrane lithium extraction from saline lakes towards industrial application.

salt lake brine  /  separation of magnesium and lithium  /  membrane separation  /  nanofiltration  /  membrane modification