TLDR:
- Plasma technology increases lithium extraction efficiency by 3-fold.
- Research from Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) utilizes CO2 microwave plasma technology for improved lithium extraction.
New research from the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) suggests an improved method for extracting lithium by applying plasma technology. The study found that CO2 microwave plasma technology increased the lithium extraction rate by three times compared to traditional methods. The process involves ionizing carbon dioxide into a plasma state to increase the extraction rate from brine. This research opens up possibilities for more efficient extraction of lithium, which is crucial for the development of lithium-ion batteries and sustainable energy solutions.
Full Article:
The development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has significantly impacted the fields of electric vehicles and energy storage power batteries. With the increasing demand for lithium in consumer products, there is a need for sustainable technologies for recycling waste batteries and extracting lithium from alternative sources. One such study from the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) introduced a new method for extracting lithium using CO2 microwave plasma technology.
The traditional process of lithium extraction involves mixing sodium carbonate with lithium-rich saltwater and extracting lithium carbonate. However, this method requires additional steps to separate impurities. The KFE researchers utilized carbon dioxide microwave plasma technology to extract lithium from brine, resulting in a three-fold increase in extraction rates compared to existing methods.
The application of plasma technology for lithium extraction opens up new possibilities for efficient extraction from seawater and other sources with lower lithium concentrations. This research showcases the potential of plasma technology in advancing sustainable energy solutions and the development of lithium-ion batteries. Further research and development in this area could lead to significant advancements in lithium extraction processes.