Chemists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of lithium extraction. They have developed a more efficient method to extract lithium from waste liquids, such as those found in mining sites, oil fields, and used batteries. This new process utilizes aluminum hydroxide as a sorbent to extract lithium ions, and it has been shown to be five times more effective than previous methods.
The key advantage of this new process is its low-cost and high lithium-uptake capability, operating in a wider pH range and at a lower temperature compared to traditional methods. This innovation opens up opportunities for domestic sources of lithium to become commercially viable, meeting the increasing demand for this essential metal in the production of rechargeable batteries.
The research not only addresses the technical aspects of lithium extraction but also has broader implications for sustainable resource management. By moving towards a circular economy, where materials are kept in circulation as long as possible, this process reduces the need for new resource extraction and minimizes waste generation.
The team at ORNL has filed a patent for this invention, which is detailed in two published papers in reputable scientific journals. The breakthrough discovery highlights the potential for a more sustainable and efficient approach to lithium extraction, with far-reaching implications for the future of battery technology and resource management.
