Other innovative approaches examined include filtration membranes that use pressure gradients or electrical fields to separate lithium, as well as electrochemical methods leveraging ion properties, reports SCMP.
According to the study, optimizing lithium extraction from low-quality brines may involve combining various approaches. Efficiency could be increased, for example, by combining extraction with seawater desalination or incorporating renewable energy into the process.
The potential of low-quality brines to contribute significantly to sustainable lithium production, bolster energy storage systems, and further the global shift to cleaner energy sources was highlighted by the researchers.