Solar-powered selective mineral extraction via interfacial photothermal evaporation for sustainable lithium supply
Abstract With the global transition towards low-carbon and electrified energy systems, lithium-ion batteries have played a crucial role, leading to an increasing demand for lithium resources. Compared to conventional lithium ore sources, seawater and continental brines contain significantly larger l...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Carbon Neutrality |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s43979-025-00131-0 |
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| author | Weier Xiang Zhen Yu Changying Zhao Zhenyuan Xu Yaoxin Zhang |
| author_facet | Weier Xiang Zhen Yu Changying Zhao Zhenyuan Xu Yaoxin Zhang |
| author_sort | Weier Xiang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract With the global transition towards low-carbon and electrified energy systems, lithium-ion batteries have played a crucial role, leading to an increasing demand for lithium resources. Compared to conventional lithium ore sources, seawater and continental brines contain significantly larger lithium reserves but require clean and cost-effective extraction methods. In this context, solar evaporation has recently emerged as a promising approach to enhance lithium extraction, attracting growing research interest. This review first examines the historical development of solar evaporation techniques. Subsequently, based on the distinct characteristics of various ions in brine, we discussed separation and extraction strategies facilitated by solar evaporation, particularly focusing on the spatial separation crystallization of monovalent ions, membrane separation for divalent ions, and selective adsorption techniques. For each method, we provided a comprehensive analysis of the working principles, recent advancements, evaluation metrics, and existing challenges. Furthermore, a summary and analysis of the differences between these methods in pre-treatment and post-treatment processes were also included. Finally, we offer perspectives on the future development of solar evaporation-assisted lithium extraction, aiming to achieve cleaner and more efficient lithium recovery technologies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ff8fb8b04cfc421cbddc033e29a6f242 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2788-8614 2731-3948 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Carbon Neutrality |
| spelling | doaj-art-ff8fb8b04cfc421cbddc033e29a6f2422025-08-20T02:05:39ZengSpringerCarbon Neutrality2788-86142731-39482025-06-014111810.1007/s43979-025-00131-0Solar-powered selective mineral extraction via interfacial photothermal evaporation for sustainable lithium supplyWeier Xiang0Zhen Yu1Changying Zhao2Zhenyuan Xu3Yaoxin Zhang4China-UK Low Carbon College, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong KongChina-UK Low Carbon College, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityEngineering Research Center of Solar Power and Refrigeration (MOE), Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityChina-UK Low Carbon College, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityAbstract With the global transition towards low-carbon and electrified energy systems, lithium-ion batteries have played a crucial role, leading to an increasing demand for lithium resources. Compared to conventional lithium ore sources, seawater and continental brines contain significantly larger lithium reserves but require clean and cost-effective extraction methods. In this context, solar evaporation has recently emerged as a promising approach to enhance lithium extraction, attracting growing research interest. This review first examines the historical development of solar evaporation techniques. Subsequently, based on the distinct characteristics of various ions in brine, we discussed separation and extraction strategies facilitated by solar evaporation, particularly focusing on the spatial separation crystallization of monovalent ions, membrane separation for divalent ions, and selective adsorption techniques. For each method, we provided a comprehensive analysis of the working principles, recent advancements, evaluation metrics, and existing challenges. Furthermore, a summary and analysis of the differences between these methods in pre-treatment and post-treatment processes were also included. Finally, we offer perspectives on the future development of solar evaporation-assisted lithium extraction, aiming to achieve cleaner and more efficient lithium recovery technologies.https://doi.org/10.1007/s43979-025-00131-0Lithium extractionSolar conversionInterfacial evaporationSelective separationDesalination |
| spellingShingle | Weier Xiang Zhen Yu Changying Zhao Zhenyuan Xu Yaoxin Zhang Solar-powered selective mineral extraction via interfacial photothermal evaporation for sustainable lithium supply Carbon Neutrality Lithium extraction Solar conversion Interfacial evaporation Selective separation Desalination |
| title | Solar-powered selective mineral extraction via interfacial photothermal evaporation for sustainable lithium supply |
| title_full | Solar-powered selective mineral extraction via interfacial photothermal evaporation for sustainable lithium supply |
| title_fullStr | Solar-powered selective mineral extraction via interfacial photothermal evaporation for sustainable lithium supply |
| title_full_unstemmed | Solar-powered selective mineral extraction via interfacial photothermal evaporation for sustainable lithium supply |
| title_short | Solar-powered selective mineral extraction via interfacial photothermal evaporation for sustainable lithium supply |
| title_sort | solar powered selective mineral extraction via interfacial photothermal evaporation for sustainable lithium supply |
| topic | Lithium extraction Solar conversion Interfacial evaporation Selective separation Desalination |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1007/s43979-025-00131-0 |
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