Researchers at Monash University have unveiled a groundbreaking technology that could revolutionise lithium extraction, potentially unlocking up to 75 per cent of the world’s currently untappable lithium-rich saltwater sources.
This innovation comes at a critical time, as global lithium demand is surging and supply shortages are predicted as early as 2025.
The new technology, called EDTA-aided loose nanofiltration (EALNF), sets a new standard in lithium processing by simultaneously extracting both lithium and magnesium.
This approach is a significant improvement over traditional methods that treat magnesium salts as waste, making the process smarter, faster, and more sustainable.
Dr Zhikao Li from the Monash Suzhou Research Institute and Professor Xiwang Zhang from the University of Queensland led the research team.
Their work, published in Nature Sustainability, demonstrates the efficiency of EALNF in extracting lithium from low-grade brines with high magnesium content.
Improved Efficiency: The EALNF system achieves a 90 per cent lithium recovery rate, nearly doubling the performance of traditional methods.
It also dramatically reduces extraction time from years to mere weeks.
Environmental Benefits: Unlike conventional methods that deplete water resources in arid regions, EALNF produces freshwater as a by-product. Additionally, it turns leftover magnesium into a valuable, high-quality product, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Versatility: The technology can efficiently extract lithium from previously ignored sources, such as high-altitude salt brine flats in China and Bolivia.
Dr. Li emphasised the significance of this breakthrough, stating: “With Monash University’s EALNF technology, these can now be commercially viable sources of lithium and valuable contributors to the global supply chain.”
The EALNF system is flexible and ready for large-scale implementation, allowing for quick expansion from testing to full industrial operations.
This innovation is crucial for avoiding future lithium shortages and supporting the transition to clean energy.
As the demand for lithium continues to grow, driven by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems, this new extraction method could play a pivotal role in ensuring a stable supply of this critical mineral.
The development of EALNF technology represents a significant step forward in sustainable lithium extraction, potentially reshaping the global lithium supply chain and contributing to a greener future.