Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago have developed an innovative membrane technology designed to efficiently extract lithium from water sources. This advancement aims to address the growing demand for lithium, a critical component in electric vehicle batteries and various electronic devices.
The new membrane is constructed from ultrathin layers of vermiculite, a naturally abundant clay. To enhance its stability and performance, microscopic aluminum oxide pillars are incorporated between these layers, preventing collapse and neutralizing the membrane's surface charge. The addition of sodium ions further modifies the membrane's surface charge, enabling it to selectively filter lithium ions from other cations based on size and charge.
This technology offers a promising, low-cost alternative to traditional lithium extraction methods, which often rely on hard-rock mining and salt lake brines. By enabling the extraction of lithium from unconventional sources such as seawater and underground brines, the membrane could help diversify and stabilize the global lithium supply chain.
Beyond lithium extraction, the researchers believe this membrane technology could have broader applications, including the recovery of other critical materials like nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, as well as the removal of harmful contaminants from water supplies.
The findings of this research were published in the journal Advanced Materials. The study was funded by the Advanced Materials for Energy-Water Systems (AMEWS) Energy Frontier Research Center, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Basic Energy Sciences.