New Lithium Extraction Method Could Reuse Fracking Wastewater
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network in Technology
Scientists have discovered a new and efficient way of extracting lithium and other minerals from water, including wastewater from hydraulic fracturing.
The technique uses a metal-organic framework, made from a recently developed material that has the largest internal surface area of any known substance. During ‘ion selectivity’, it mimics the filtering function of biological cell membranes to separate metal ions from water.
Lithium, representative image, source: Wikimedia Commons
Lithium is widespread in devices used today, from mobile devices to electric cars. In 2016, over 212,000 tonnes were consumed globally. With continuing technological advancements, demand for lithium has quickly outpaced the rate at which it can be mined or recycled.
The new technique could help by increasing the amount of readily-available lithium, in turn bringing its market price down, potentially making devices cheaper for consumers.
The technology could also be used on wastewater from hydraulic fracturing, which could prove particularly useful in Texas, where the Barnett and Eagle Ford shale formations contain high amounts of lithium.
Read full article: Mining Technology
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Taxonomy
- Wastewater Disposal
- Reclaimed Wastewater
- Water Reuse & Recycling
- Wastewater Treatment
- Reuse
- Fracking
- Fracking Technology