New Lithium Extraction Method Promises Lower Costs

Batteries come in many forms, but lithium-ion batteries dominate the market. Their massive production scale creates an economic advantage that other battery types cannot match. Even if researchers develop superior battery technologies, it remains unclear if they can reduce manufacturing costs fast enough to compete with the existing lithium supply chain. The efficiency of current lithium production is a formidable barrier for competitors.

One factor that could shift this dynamic is a shortage of supply. Lithium is abundant in the Earth’s crust, but finding it in economically extractable forms is difficult. The cheapest method involves extracting lithium from brine, which is salty underground water. However, high-quality lithium brines are mostly found in South America. Obtaining lithium from other sources, such as hard rock minerals, is significantly more expensive.

In a new study published in the journal Science, a research team has developed an energy-efficient method to extract lithium from rocks. This new process uses far less energy than traditional methods. It also regenerates the primary chemicals used in the reaction. Furthermore, the process creates byproducts that can be sold, adding economic value. This approach offers a potential solution to the high costs and environmental issues associated with current mining practices.

Lithium is found in various minerals. For instance, the US Geological Survey recently mapped lithium oxide deposits in the Northeastern United States. These deposits are extensive and are found in a rock type called pegmatite. Globally, however, the most common source of lithium ore is a mineral called spodumene. Spodumene is a lithium-aluminum silicate compound.

Processing spodumene is difficult. The current industry standard involves heating the mineral to approximately 1,000 degrees Celsius. This high heat breaks down the compact structure of the rock. Afterward, sulfuric acid is used to leach the lithium out of the rock. The result is a lithium sulfate solution, which is then converted into lithium carbonate for battery use. This traditional method is energy-intensive and produces significant waste, particularly sulfur-containing byproducts.