Gas diffusion electrode

In the present disclosure, a recycling process for acid, base and salt reagents required in the Li recovery process is disclosed. A membrane electrolysis cell is implemented that incorporates an oxygen depolarized cathode (ODC) to generate the required chemicals in situ. The system can use a portion of the salt brine or other brine containing lithium or solid waste to generate hydrochloric or sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide and carbonate salts. The simultaneous generation of acid and base makes it possible to take advantage of both chemicals during the conventional recovery of Li from brines and mineral rocks. The desalinated water can also be used for the washing stages in the recovery process or returned to the evaporation ponds. The method can also be used for the direct conversion of lithium salts to LiOH, a high-value product. The method does not produce any solid effluent, which facilitates its adoption for use in existing industrial Li recovery plants.