Researchers at Columbia Engineering have developed a faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly way to extract lithium, a critical mineral in high demand for electric vehicles and clean energy sources. The new method uses a temperature-sensitive solvent to extract lithium directly from brines found in deposits worldwide, allowing for more efficient extraction even from low concentrations and contaminated sources. This innovation could shorten processing time, unlock untapped reserves, and reduce environmental impact in the production of lithium for clean energy technologies.
https://www.enn.com/articles/78019-a-new-method-to-unlock-vast-lithium-stores