In a groundbreaking development, an Australian-Chinese research team has unveiled a revolutionary technology that enables direct extraction of lithium from extreme environments such as deserts and high-altitude salt brine flats. This innovation could significantly boost global lithium supplies, crucial for the clean energy transition.
The collaborative team from Monash University and the University of Queensland demonstrated their novel method’s efficiency in extracting lithium from saltwater samples taken from China\u2019s Longmu Co Lake and Dongtai Lake. The technology employs an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-aided loose nanofiltration (EALNF) process, which not only enhances lithium recovery rates but also significantly reduces extraction time.
“Lithium is pivotal in the global shift towards clean energy due to its essential role in battery storage technology,” said Li Zhikao of the Monash Suzhou Research Institute in Jiangsu Province. “Our technology achieves a 90 percent lithium recovery from brine sources, nearly doubling the efficiency of traditional methods, and reduces extraction time from years to weeks.”
Experts have warned that global lithium supply may soon fall short of soaring demand, potentially as early as 2025. Traditional extraction methods are unable to tap into approximately 75 percent of the world\u2019s lithium-rich saltwater, particularly in challenging environments. “High-altitude salt brine flats in countries like China and Bolivia have been largely overlooked due to the harsh conditions,” Li explained. “In remote desert areas, the lack of water, chemicals, and infrastructure makes conventional extraction unfeasible.”
The EALNF technology addresses these challenges by using a nanofiltration process that efficiently separates lithium and magnesium from brines. Unlike traditional methods that discard magnesium as waste, this technology transforms it into a high-quality product for sale, enhancing the economic viability of the extraction process.
“With this innovation, previously untapped sources of lithium can now become commercially viable and contribute significantly to the global supply chain,” said Zhang Xiwang from the University of Queensland. “This could be a game-changer in meeting the surging global demand for lithium.”
The research team is optimistic about the rapid scaling of this technology from testing to full industrial operations. “Our EALNF technology is ready for immediate expansion,” Li stated. “We believe it will play a crucial role in addressing the impending lithium shortage and supporting the global transition to clean energy.”
As the world races towards a sustainable future, such technological advancements offer hope in overcoming resource limitations and fostering international collaboration in scientific innovation.
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New tech enables direct lithium extraction from extreme environments
cgtn.com
