Work

Adsorption-type aluminium-based direct lithium extraction: The effect of heat, salinity and lithium content

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Conventional lithium production through solar evaporation is considered a time-consuming procedure, taking a substantial 12 to 18 months with significant environmental impacts such as aquifer depletion and damaging the basin's complex hydrological system. Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) has emerged as a promising alternative for lithium extraction from brines, offering reduced environmental impact. Although adsorption-type DLE with aluminium-based adsorbents is the sole commercial technology of DLE, a debate persists concerning its Technology Readiness Level (TRL), which challenges the prevailing notion that adsorption-type DLE undeniably reaches a TRL of 9. Within this narrative, we propose that adsorption is capable of attaining its highest potential TRL in lithium recovery from brines when three critical conditions are met: the presence of a certain level of salinity, a minimum lithium content in the brine, and a heat source to heat up the brine. In this account, an attempt has been made to elucidate the role of these three minimum criteria during adsorption-type DLE.

Source: Desalination

DOI: 10.1016/j.desal.2024.117406

Authors: Yasaman Boroumand, Amir Razmjou

Institution: Edith Cowan University

Language: English

Topic: Extraction and Separation Processes

Subfield: Metals and Alloys

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,580