In the quest for new solutions to access untapped resources, engineers have introduced innovative technology that allows for the direct extraction of lithium from harsh environments, such as deserts.
As the demand for lithium—essential for driving sustainable technologies—continues to rise, it is estimated that up to 75 percent of the global lithium-rich brine sources remain inaccessible with current extraction methods.
With predictions suggesting that the global supply of lithium could fall short of demand as soon as 2025, the new technology known as EDTA-aided loose nanofiltration (EALNF) is setting a new benchmark in lithium extraction. Unlike traditional methods that discard magnesium salts as waste, this technology efficiently extracts both lithium and magnesium at the same time, making the process smarter, faster, and more environmentally friendly.
Led by Dr. Zhikao Li from the Monash Suzhou Research Institute and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, along with Professor Xiwang Zhang from the University of Queensland, this research aims to address the growing lithium demand and promote more sustainable extraction practices.
Recent studies conducted on brines from China’s Longmu Co Lake and Dongtai Lake, published in Nature Sustainability, showcase how this innovative technique can effectively extract lithium from low-grade brines that contain high levels of magnesium. Central to this breakthrough is a form of nanofiltration that employs a selective chelating agent to isolate lithium from other minerals, particularly magnesium, which is often challenging to remove.
Dr. Li noted, “Areas with high-altitude salt brine flats, such as Tibet and Qinghai in China, as well as Bolivia, present tougher extraction conditions that have typically been overlooked. In remote desert regions, the significant quantities of water, chemicals, and infrastructure necessary for traditional extraction methods are often lacking, highlighting the necessity for innovative technologies.”
“With Monash University’s EALNF technology, these previously untapped areas can now serve as commercially viable lithium sources, providing valuable contributions to the global supply chain. Our technology achieves a lithium recovery rate of 90 percent, which is nearly double that of conventional methods, significantly reducing extraction time from years to just weeks,” he added.
This new technology not only allows for the effective extraction of lithium but also transforms leftover magnesium into a high-quality product that can be marketed, thereby lessening waste and its environmental footprint.
In addition to its increased efficiency, the EALNF system addresses key environmental issues related to lithium extraction. Unlike typical methods that overly deplete essential water supplies in arid regions, this technology generates freshwater as a by-product.
According to Dr. Li, the system is versatile and primed for large-scale application, allowing for a quick transition from testing to full industrial use.
“This advancement is vital in preventing a future scarcity of lithium, enabling access to hard-to-reach sources, and supporting the transition to clean energy,” he concluded.
