Summary
- CleanTechnica offers daily news updates via email or Google News
- A new lithium brine extraction system is being developed to meet EV battery supply chain demands in an environmentally friendly way
- Geothermal brines are seen as a promising source of lithium due to high mineral concentrations
- Challenges in scaling up geothermal extraction include cost, energy efficiency, and hazardous byproducts
- Rice University researchers have developed a three-chamber reactor for selective lithium extraction from brine, with a 97.5% lithium purity rate
Article
The buzz around a new lithium brine extraction system is gaining momentum, offering an environmentally friendly alternative for the EV battery supply chain. Geothermal brines are being explored as a potential source of lithium, which could help reduce the environmental impact of traditional lithium mining projects. The US Department of Energy sees potential in utilizing the high mineral concentrations found in geothermal brines to support clean power initiatives.
While geothermal extraction systems have the potential to provide a sustainable lithium supply, scaling up and reducing costs have been significant challenges. Electrochemical systems used in geothermal extraction must contend with high concentrations of substances similar to lithium, increasing energy and chemical inputs. To incentivize innovation in this field, the Energy Department launched the “American-Made Geothermal Lithium Extraction Prize,” resulting in breakthrough research from teams such as George Washington University, Rice University, and others.
A recent breakthrough from Rice University’s research team, funded in part by the Energy Department, introduces a three-chamber reactor for selective lithium extraction from brine. This innovative approach utilizes a specialized lithium-ion conductive glass ceramic membrane to block unwanted ions and increase lithium purity rates. The development of this technology could lead to more efficient lithium extraction processes for the EV battery supply chain.
As the research progresses towards commercialization, efforts are underway to improve the energy efficiency of the new extraction system. Addressing challenges such as preventing sodium ion buildup on the membrane surface will be a key focus for the research team. In the meantime, the Energy Department continues to explore other extraction methods, including utilizing brine from oil and gas operations, to bolster the domestic EV battery supply chain.
The Biden-Harris administration is prioritizing the development of domestic lithium resources, such as the Thacker Pass mine in Nevada. The project, supported by a significant loan from the Energy Department, aims to produce lithium carbonate for up to 800,000 EVs annually, reducing the reliance on traditional gasoline consumption. While new mines like Thacker Pass play a role in meeting battery demand, efforts to recycle lithium and develop non-lithium EV batteries are also underway to promote sustainability in the industry.
Looking ahead, initiatives like investing in electric bus fleets, expanding public transportation options, and promoting remote work arrangements can help reduce the reliance on gasoline consumption. By exploring alternative sources of lithium and improving recycling processes, the EV battery supply chain can become more sustainable in the long run. Continued advancements in clean energy technologies and extraction methods will be crucial in ensuring a greener future for the transportation sector.
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