China’s EV industry targets efficient lithium extraction from low-quality brines
Researchers from Nanjing University achieved significant lithium recovery using solvent extraction methods at a Qinghai salt lake.
In order to facilitate the production of lithium batteries for use in construction and energy storage, these developments seek to access plentiful but untapped sources.
According to a Nanjing University study, the increasing demand for renewable energy technology and electric vehicles (EVs) could cause the present lithium supply to run out as early as 2029.
According to a Chinese online news outlet, because of the impending shortage of supplies, scientists are looking into novel ways to extract lithium from unusual sources like salt lakes, seawater, and even sediment deposits all around the world.
Surge in demand
The need for sustainable lithium extraction techniques is being driven by the growing demand for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles (EVs).Su
Conventional methods, such as mining hard-rock ores and removing lithium from brines, are energy-intensive, emit a lot of greenhouse gases, and disrupt land and deplete groundwater. These methods lead to supply chain and environmental issues, underscoring the need for effective and sustainable substitutes.
Because of their broad availability and large stocks, low-quality brines—such as sedimentary liquids, geothermal fluids, oilfield-produced waters, seawater, and some salt lakes—represent a promising but untapped resource.