Highlights

• International researchers develop groundbreaking membrane technology for selective lithium ion filtration with minimal environmental impact.
• Solution-processable polymer membranes can extract high-purity lithium carbonate using electrodialysis.
• Addresses global lithium demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy.
• Innovative method offers potential for circular economy benefits.
• Reduces resource waste and supports more sustainable mineral recovery processes.

A team of international researchers, led by Dr. Qilei Song (opens in a new tab) from Imperial College London, has developed a groundbreaking membrane technology for cleaner and more efficient lithium extraction (NatureWater, March 12, 2025). Collaborating with institutions such as the University of Birmingham and University College London, the team designed solution-processable polymer membranes with hydrophilic subnanometer pores capable of selectively filtering lithium ions from salt-lake brines using electrodialysis. This process significantly reduces environmental impact compared to traditional mining and evaporation methods, producing high-purity lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) suitable for battery applications. The membranes distinguish between monovalent and divalent ions through specialized chemical interactions, a feature that could also aid in recovering critical metals from wastewater and battery recycling.

The implications of this discovery are far-reaching. As lithium demand soars with the expansion of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, this sustainable extraction method could alleviate supply chain bottlenecks and environmental degradation linked to lithium mining. Co-author Professor Melanie Britton from the University of Birmingham emphasized the benefits of a circular economy, ensuring both clean water supply and mineral recovery.

Additionally, this innovation could enhance global lithium independence, reducing reliance on environmentally destructive mining operations. If scaled successfully, this membrane technology may set a new industry standard, accelerating the transition to cleaner energy solutions while minimizing resource waste, according to a press release (opens in a new tab) from Imperial College London.