This technology is a technique to selectively extract lithium from brine streams using thermoresponsive solvents.
Portable electronics and many materials rely heavily on lithium. However, lithium is often found in brines alongside many similar elements, rendering its extraction challenging. Current methods for extracting lithium suffer from high costs, low efficiency, and adverse environmental effects. Thus, there is a need for more efficient methods to extract lithium from brines while minimizing the environmental impact.
This technology is a method that extracts lithium from other salts, such as potassium and sodium, using a thermoresponsive solvent system. Lithium preferentially partitions into the organic phase of the solvent and can then be extracted from it by heating. Initial experiments show selectivities of 7.7x over sodium and 7.8x over potassium ions.
Patent Pending
IR CU22334
Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu
