Synthesis of granulated Li1.33Mn1.67O4 via two antisolvent methods for lithium adsorption from gas-produced water

• Two granulation methods (extrusion and droplet) were compared for producing H1.33Mn1.67O4 adsorbents; droplet method (DHMO) yielded higher porosity and superior lithium adsorption capacity in gas-produced water. • DHMO with optimal binder concentration (0.14 g·ml−1) achieved a lithium adsorption capacity of 25.14 mg·g−1, with fast equilibrium (9 h) and high selectivity for Li+ over competing ions. • The adsorption process followed Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models, and pore diffusion model accurately described the kinetics, indicating diffusion-controlled adsorption. • DHMO exhibited excellent cyclic stability: after 20 cycles, lithium adsorption capacity remained above 17.30 mg·g−1 with manganese dissolution below 1%, demonstrating practical applicability for lithium recovery from gas-produced water.