A team of Stanford University researchers has developed a new technology that can extract lithium from brines at an estimated cost of under 40% that of today’s dominant extraction method. The innovative approach, known as “redox-couple electrodialysis” (RCE), is not only more efficient but also uses significantly less water, chemicals, and land compared to traditional methods.
The study, published in Matter, reveals that the RCE method can extract lithium at a cost of $3,500 to $4,400 per ton of high-purity lithium hydroxide, which can be converted to battery-grade lithium carbonate inexpensively. This is significantly lower than the current market price for battery-grade lithium carbonate, which stands at almost $15,000 per ton.
The global demand for lithium has surged in recent years due to the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. However, traditional methods of extracting lithium from mined rocks or brines have significant drawbacks, including high costs, energy intensity, and environmental concerns.
The RCE method uses electricity to move lithium through a solid-state membrane, eliminating the need for large-scale solar evaporation ponds and reducing land use and water consumption. The technology has been shown to be scalable, with experiments demonstrating its effectiveness at an industrial scale.
While there are still some areas for further research and development, the study highlights the promising potential of the RCE method as a viable alternative to current extraction technologies.
Source: https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/08/new-technology-extracts-lithium-from-brines-inexpensively-and-sustainably