Researchers at Qatar University (QU) have developed a system to extract lithium from seawater within the framework of a research project supported by Qatar National Research Fund and Graduate Sponsorship Research Award (GSRA). The researchers developed electrochemical system to capture lithium with the aid of temperature resulting in the extraction of 8 mg and selectively (purity 51.8 percent) of lithium from the treated seawater.
According to the research team who utilized a solar-concentrated thermoelectric device and a membrane distillation unit, the system captures and enriches lithium ions while minimizing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
The team pointed out that the electrochemical system to capture lithium offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mining methods, as previous extraction methods have been taking more time with the utilization of a substantial quantity of chemical materials that are harmful to environment. (QNA) page 4