George Washington University Researchers Develop Eco-Friendly Lithium Extraction Method for EV Batteries

Credit: Wikipedia

Researchers at George Washington University (GWU) and collaborating institutions have created a new method to extract and purify lithium directly from geothermal brines, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional mining for electric vehicle (EV) battery production, according to a study published this week.

The process avoids harsh chemicals and uses an electro-driven system to selectively capture lithium ions, converting them into battery-grade lithium hydroxide with 99.5% purity. Traditional methods rely on solar evaporation and chemical precipitation, which consume significant water and energy.

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The GWU team’s approach combines an intercalation deionization cell (IDI) and a bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) cell to produce lithium hydroxide monohydrate powder at an estimated cost of $4.60 per kilogram—roughly one-third of the market price as of January 2024.

The method targets lithium-rich geothermal brines, such as those in California’s Salton Sea, as well as reserves in Germany, France, Italy, and China’s Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Researchers noted global lithium demand could face a 538,000-metric-ton deficit by 2030, underscoring the need for scalable solutions.

See also: New Research Unveils Potential of Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Key advantages include high lithium selectivity over competing minerals, zero chemical consumption, and cost competitiveness. While the technology has not yet been commercialized, the team plans to test it at scale in coming years.

The study, funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, highlights geothermal brines as an underutilized resource to bolster EV supply chains. GWU did not disclose partnerships for scaling the technology.

Source: gwu.edunature.com

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