An innovative lithium extraction technique has been created by Princeton University researchers. Lithium is an essential component of electric car batteries and energy storage devices.
Due to the enormous environmental and logistical difficulties associated with conventional techniques, this innovation is anticipated to completely change the lithium production sector. The discovery fits with a larger worldwide trend toward eco-friendly energy sources.
Lithium extraction normally involves extraction from salty water sources, which may take over a year to commence. Princeton researchers have created a ground-breaking approach to minimize the amount of land and time needed for lithium extraction.
The new technology uses strings made of porous fibers that can both attract and repel water. Capillary action causes water to move up the strings when submerged in a saltwater solution. As the water swiftly evaporates, concentrated salt ions like sodium and lithium are left behind.
These salts concentrate when the water evaporates, crystallizing onto the strings as sodium chloride and lithium chloride crystals, making the harvesting process easier.
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