5 minutes

Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE): An Emerging Technology Revolutionizing Lithium Extraction

As the global drive towards sustainable energy gains momentum, the role of lithium-ion batteries as vital components in electrification and energy storage systems has become undeniable. The insatiable demand for lithium sparked a remarkable tripling of global production between 2010 and 2020, and this upward trajectory shows no sign of slowing, with estimations pointing towards a staggering 40-fold expansion by 2050.1 This surge in demand places the industry under immense pressure to advance extraction methods. One of the most promising emerging technologies in lithium extraction is direct lithium extraction (DLE).

This article delves into the significance of lithium selective sorbents (LSS) in DLE, specifically lithium bayerite and lithium titanate, and outlines how Saint-Gobain Ceramics is at the forefront of this innovative approach.

  • Conventional Methods and the Promise of DLE

    Conventional approaches to lithium extraction typically involve evaporating pools of continental brines using solar energy and extracting the metal from hard-rock ores. Continental brine resources are around four times more plentiful than hard-rock ores, with the richest deposits found in Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. However, conventional evaporative methods have been subject to criticism due to their substantial water consumption in regions with limited freshwater availability. Additionally, these methods rely on extensive land usage and specific climatic conditions. Furthermore, evaporative processes suffer from drawbacks such as slow production rates, limited scalability, and inefficiency in processing lower-concentration lithium brine sources.1,2

    DLE has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional lithium extraction methods. DLE proposes numerous advantages over conventional approaches, encompassing a range of technologies, such as electrochemical and thermal processes. Such advantages include higher throughput, and the potential to meet the increasing lithium demand more efficiently.1

  • The Role of Lithium Selective Sorbents (LSS)

    Among the various lithium extraction methods, sorption and ion exchange are widely regarded as the most promising.3 Essential to these two approaches are lithium selective sorbents (LSS), also known as “resin” or “adsorbents.” LSS enables the selective separation of lithium in solution, and Saint-Gobain Ceramics, a leading manufacturer, produces two significant LSS’: lithium bayerite and lithium titanate.

  • Lithium Bayerite: An Absorption Elution Mechanism

    Lithium Bayerite is used in an absorption-elution process designed for lithium recovery. Lithium Bayerite adsorbent particles, developed by Saint-Gobain Ceramics, are composed of double-layered hydroxides that can exchange lithium ions. These adsorbent particles play a crucial role in the absorption-elution mechanism of DLE. The sorbent is typically packed within a column, and as brine comes into contact with the sorbent, it selectively captures and concentrates lithium ions.4,5 The absorbed lithium ions are then eluted from the sorbent thereby regenerating the sorbent for reuse. This method allows for the efficient separation and concentration of lithium, making it a crucial step in the DLE process.

  • Lithium Titanate: An Ion Exchange Mechanism

    Lithium titanate (LTO) is an integral material in an ion exchange DLE process.  When LTO is treated with acid, such as hydrochloric acid, its lithium ions are released and replaced with hydrogen cations. This process is known as delithiation. After delithiation, the LTO sorbent can be used for the removal and concentration of lithium ions from the brine source.

  • Saint-Gobain Ceramics: Pioneering Domestic Manufacturing Capability

    Saint-Gobain Ceramics stands as a prominent player in the DLE revolution due to its domestic manufacturing capabilities for lithium selective sorbents. With an existing manufacturing base, the company gains a significant advantage in terms of production efficiency and supply chain management, allowing them to customize sorbents based on specific requirements. All in all, this means that the company can facilitate fast scalability to meet the growing demand for lithium extraction technologies.7

  • Customization Capabilities and Performance

    Saint-Gobain Ceramics specializes in synthesizing and shaping sorbents with expert precision. Its sorbent range boasts remarkable advantages such as high capacity, fast kinetics and good strength.  This exceptional performance not only translates to reduced operational costs but also enables more efficient lithium extraction. At the forefront of their offerings, the Lithium Selective Sorbents (LSS) spearhead the competition with innovative shapes meticulously tailored for optimizing lithium extraction outcomes.

    Rooted in its steadfast commitment to sustainability, Saint-Gobain Ceramics is pioneering innovation and proactively addressing potential concerns, looking to support more sustainable extraction practices and financial viability.7

  • Saint-Gobain Groups’ Commitment to Net-zero 2050

    As a company, Saint-Gobain aspires to offer customers solutions to improve decarbonization efforts, empowering others to minimize their environmental footprint. Saint-Gobain Group’s pledge to net zero carbon emissions also serves as an expression of its core purpose: making the world a better home.8

    At Saint-Gobain Lithium Solutions, we value transparency and credibility in our efforts and recognize the importance of providing rigorous evidence for sustainability performance. To this end, we carry out Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to understand our environmental impact and identify the main contributors. Our goal is to drive eco-innovation projects that help us continuously improve our sustainability performance.

  • Direct Lithium Extraction: Powering the Future

    Utilizing lithium selective sorbents, direct lithium extraction forms the foundation of promising technologies set to revolutionize the lithium extraction industry. Saint-Gobain Ceramics, with its expertise in shaping, catalysis kinetics, and chemistry, has developed a range of sorbents tailored for DLE systems. Leading in domestic manufacturing, customization, and scalability, Saint-Gobain Ceramics plays a crucial role in advancing DLE, striving to address environmental and techno-economic challenges, and meeting the soaring demand for lithium.

    The successful adoption of DLE and the advancement of lithium extraction technologies will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the global energy transition, electrification of transportation, and sustainable economic growth. As we navigate towards a more sustainable future, DLE offers a potential path to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world while preserving our environment for generations to come.

  • References and Further Reading
    1. Vera ML, et al. (2023). Environmental impact of direct lithium extraction from brines. Nature Reviews Earth & Environmental. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-022-00387-5
    2. Szlugak J, et al. (2022). Lithium sources and their current use. Gospodarka Surowcami Mineralnymi. https://doi.org/10.24425/gsm.2022.140613
    3. Reich R, et al. (2022). Lithium Extraction Techniques and the Application Potential of Different Sorbents for Lithium Recovery from Brines. Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review. https://doi.org/10.1080/08827508.2022.2047041
    4. Adsorbent particles and methods of forming thereof [Patent]. WO2020219625A1. Available at: https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2020219625A1/en
    5. Fries D, et al. (2022). Lithium extraction through pilot scale tests under real geothermal conditions of the Upper Rhine Graben. European Geothermal Congress 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2023.106131
    6. Tangkas IWCWH, et al. (2023). Synthesis of Titanium Ion Sieves and Its Application for Lithium Recovery from Artificial Indonesian Geothermal Brine. Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40831-023-00664-7
    7. Saint-Gobain Ceramics. Sorbent Solutions For Direct Lithium Extraction: Manufacturing, Performance, Stability.
    8. Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics and Refractories. [Online] Pursuit of Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality. Available at: https://www.ceramicsrefractories.saint-gobain.com/about-us/pursuit-sustainability (Access on 30 July 2023).