Recent Developments in the Extraction of Lithium from Water Resources

Abstract

An increasing number of electric vehicles, hybrids, and synergistic types are adding electronic components, driving up demand for lithium and its derivatives. These chemicals comprise 80% of the worldwide market and come in forms such as carbonate, lithium hydroxide and mineral concentrates. The use of lithium is predicted to surge by 60% in the coming years due to the proliferation of electric vehicles. This demands efficient and rapid deposit detection methods as well as economical and high-resolution exploration equipment. The quantity and geographical distribution of fossil and ore mineral deposits can be easily mapped using hyperspectral photography. Since salt lakes, oceans, and geothermal water hold the majority of the world’s lithium reserves ranging from 70% to 80%, these areas are ideal for the lithium extraction process. In this regard, there is an increase in research targeted at industrial lithium production from water resources. Recycling lithium-ion batteries is an alternative method that can be utilized to increase the production of lithium. Geothermal waters have lower lithium contents than brines and some of the processes are not suitable. Evaporation methods, solvent extraction, membrane technology, nanofiltration and adsorption can all be used to extract lithium from liquid media. Thus, lithium extraction from aqueous solutions was the focus of this review article, which aimed to provide straightforward technical solutions, low costs, decreased environmental impact and excellent selectivity for the lithium industry.