US researchers tap 50% cleaner lithium for next-gen EV batteries

US researchers at the University of Connecticut are developing a more sustainable method to extract lithium from domestic geothermal brines, aiming to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 50%. Led by assistant professor Burcu Beykal, the team is creating an “end-to-end digital twin,” a comprehensive digital model of the entire lithium production process that integrates techno-economic assessments and lifecycle analyses. This approach offers a cleaner alternative to traditional lithium extraction methods, which are typically energy- and water-intensive, and addresses the growing demand for lithium in electric vehicles (EVs) and consumer electronics. The research focuses on utilizing mineral-rich geothermal brines, such as those found near California’s Salton Sea, where geothermal energy is already harnessed. By adding lithium extraction to existing geothermal operations, the method could establish a domestic, integrated production system that enhances supply chain resilience and reduces reliance on foreign lithium sources. Graduate student Hasan Nikkhah has developed mathematical models to optimize the locations of extraction, battery manufacturing, and EV production facilities, aiming