US researchers solve lithium challenge with near-perfect extraction for EV batteries Traditional lithium extraction struggles to selectively separate lithium from similar ions like magnesium and sodium. Researchers at Rice University have made a breakthrough in the field of sustainable lithium extraction, which is a crucial component for the electric vehicle industry. By developing a novel lithium extraction, the team has achieved unprecedented levels of lithium selectivity in aqueous solutions.This could boost the lithium industry by offering a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional mining practices. Repurposing solid-state electrolytesThe team repurposed solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) as membranes for aqueous lithium extraction. SSEs are materials typically used in solid-state batteries.The unique structure of SSEs, originally designed for rapid lithium ion conduction in the absence of liquids or other ions, proved remarkably effective at separating lithium from other ions and water in mixtures. “This means that lithium ions can migrate through the membrane while other competing ions, and even water, are effectively blocked,” explained Sohum Patel, the study’s first author.“The extreme selectivity offered by our SSE-based approach makes it a highly efficient method for lithium harvesting as energy is only expanded towards moving the desired lithium ions across the membrane.”Experimental results show improvementsIn experiments using an electrodialysis setup, the SSE membrane demonstrated near-perfect lithium selectivity, even in high concentrations of competing ions. This breakthrough could help to secure a stable supply of lithium for the growing electric vehicle market.“By integrating SSEs into electrodialysis systems, we could enable direct lithium extraction from a range of aqueous sources, reducing the need for large evaporation ponds and chemical-intensive purification steps,” said Patel.
