Researchers Develop Faster, Cleaner Method to Extract Lithium from Underground Brines
A Columbia Engineering research team has developed a novel lithium-extraction method that could address one of clean energy's more problematic supply chain challenges.
How the Method Works
The technique uses a temperature-sensitive solvent to pull lithium directly from underground brines, bypassing the conventional approach that relies on massive evaporation ponds. Traditional methods can take 12 to 18 months and consume significant water resources in arid regions.
Advantages Over Current Technology
According to the researchers, the new process operates faster than existing techniques while requiring less water. Perhaps most significantly, the method can work with low-quality lithium sources that current technologies struggle to process economically. This could expand the viable global supply of lithium, a critical component in electric vehicle batteries and grid-scale energy storage.
Implications for Clean Energy
As demand for lithium continues to grow alongside the EV market, more efficient extraction methods could help reduce the environmental footprint of battery production. The researchers note that the technique may make previously uneconomical lithium deposits accessible without the same water and land impacts.