Scientists develop a new technology to extract lithium from water using an affordable, scalable membrane.
A groundbreaking development in the realm of energy research has been unveiled by the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago. The new membrane technology could potentially revolutionise the extraction of lithium, a vital component in modern electronics and energy storage systems, from an unexpected source – the ocean.
## Key Components and Process
The membrane is constructed using vermiculite, a naturally abundant clay that is peeled into ultrathin layers, just a billionth of a meter thick, and then restacked to form a filter. This structure, considered 2D, is supported by microscopic aluminum oxide pillars, creating a stable, parking-garage-like architecture. To make the membrane selective for lithium ions, sodium cations are introduced, shifting the membrane's surface charge to positive.
The positively charged surface of the membrane repels more strongly charged ions like magnesium, allowing lithium ions to pass through more easily. The membrane's ability to filter ions based on both size and charge is crucial for separating lithium from lookalike elements.
## Advantages
The use of vermiculite, which costs only about $350 per ton, makes the membrane a cost-effective solution for lithium extraction. Its efficiency in selectively filtering out unwanted ions contributes to its appeal.
This technology offers a promising approach for meeting the growing demand for lithium, potentially reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and opening the door to new lithium reserves in unconsidered places. The result is a scalable, low-cost filtration method that could unlock untapped lithium reserves in oceans, underground brines, and even wastewater.
Beyond lithium, the implications of this membrane extend beyond, potentially helping recover other critical minerals and removing harmful contaminants from drinking water.
The vast amounts of lithium found dissolved in seawater and underground brines could become a viable resource with this new technology. The new membrane could be a major breakthrough in lithium extraction, offering a potential domestic alternative to traditional lithium mining.
Technology and robotics could benefit from this innovation, as the membrane's selective filtering of ions could potentially lead to advancements in resource extraction robots. The science behind this development could spur innovation within the industry, as finance might be interested in supporting projects that promise a cost-effective and scalable solution for lithium extraction from unconventional sources like seawater. Furthermore, the ability to recover other critical minerals and contaminant removal capabilities of the membrane could have significant implications for the energy sector, particularly in the production of renewable energy solutions.
