A team of scientists from the Critical Materials Innovation (CMI) Hub, led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames National Laboratory, has developed a groundbreaking new process called mechanochemical extraction of lithium at low temperatures (MELLT). This innovative method utilizes the principles of mechanochemistry to extract lithium from the hard-rock mineral spodumene, which is a significant source of lithium for high-performance rechargeable batteries.
Traditionally, extracting lithium from spodumene involves energy-intensive processes that produce greenhouse gases and hazardous waste streams. However, the new MELLT process offers a more sustainable and efficient solution. By harnessing mechanical forces to agitate, tumble, and smash solid materials, the scientists are able to initiate chemical reactions at low temperatures, reducing the environmental impact of lithium extraction.
Ihor Hlova, a CMI and Ames Lab scientist, explained that mechanochemistry is an underutilized technique in extraction methodologies. While it is typically used to crush materials or mix reactants, the team has successfully integrated it into the chemical extraction process. By creating reactive spots on the surface of solid materials through mechanical force, the scientists are able to facilitate chemical reactions more quickly and easily.
This innovative approach not only improves the efficiency of lithium extraction but also addresses the challenges associated with traditional extraction methods. By reducing the energy consumption and toxic by-products of extraction, the MELLT process has the potential to revolutionize the supply chain for lithium, a critical element in the production of rechargeable batteries for technologies such as electric vehicles and cell phones. With the demand for lithium increasing, this new process could offer a sustainable solution for meeting the growing needs of the industry.
