Membrane extracts lithium from brines faster, cleaner for batteries

Source: interestingengineering
Author: @IntEngineering
Published: 10/3/2025
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Read original articleResearchers at Rice University have developed an innovative nanotechnology-based membrane that selectively filters lithium from saltwater brines more quickly and sustainably than traditional methods. Unlike the current large-scale lithium extraction process, which relies on slow evaporation ponds and heavy chemical use—taking over a year and consuming vast amounts of water—the new membrane uses electrodialysis to pass lithium ions through while blocking other abundant ions like sodium, calcium, and magnesium. This selective filtration is achieved by embedding lithium titanium oxide (LTO) nanoparticles into the membrane, whose crystal structure is precisely sized to allow lithium ions to pass, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
The membrane’s design incorporates a defect-free polyamide layer grafted with amine groups to evenly blend the LTO nanoparticles, resulting in a strong, durable material that maintained performance over two weeks of continuous use. Its modular three-layer architecture allows for independent optimization, making the technology adaptable for extracting other valuable minerals such as cobalt and nickel. This advancement represents a significant step toward cleaner
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energylithium-extractionnanotechnologymembrane-technologybattery-materialssustainable-energyelectrodialysis