MIT Scientists Pioneer Eco-Friendly Lithium Extraction Technique
TL;DR. MIT researchers developed a low-temperature, acid-free method to extract lithium from hard rock, potentially reducing environmental impact and addressing supply shortages. - The process uses ammonium fluoride to dissolve spodumene, recovering over 95% of lithium. - This closed-loop system recycles reagents, unlike conventional methods that produce significant waste. - If scaled, the method could become the lowest-cost way to obtain lithium from natural sources.
- MIT scientists created a new chemical method for lithium extraction from spodumene.
- The process is low-temperature, acid-free, and avoids carbon dioxide-producing roasting steps.
- It demonstrates over 95% lithium recovery and operates as a closed-loop system, recycling reagents.
- This method could lower costs and mitigate environmental concerns with traditional lithium mining.
Sources
- MIT Scientists May Have Found a Way to Pull Lithium From Rocks Without Trashing the Planet — gizmodo.com
- arstechnica.com — arstechnica.com