22 OCTOBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Research for Efficient, Environmentally Friendly Lithium Adapted from Information by the University of Chicago As the electric vehicle market increases, the demand for lithium has soared. Global lithium production has more than tripled in the last decade. Current methods of extracting lithium from rock ores or brines are slow and come with high energy demands and environmental costs. Researchers at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) have optimized a new method for extracting lithium from more dilute and widespread sources of the mineral, including seawater, groundwater, and flowback water. In the new research, Chong Liu, Neubauer Family Assistant Professor of Molecular Engineering and her colleagues, showed how certain particles of iron phosphate can most efficiently pull lithium out of dilute liquids. Their approach isolates lithium based on its electrochemical properties, using crystal lattices of olivine iron phosphate. Because of its size, charge, and reactivity, lithium is drawn into spaces in the olivine iron phosphate columns, like water being soaked into holes in a sponge. But, if the column is designed perfectly, sodium ions, also present in briny liquids, are left out or enter the iron phosphate at a much lower level. In the new work, Liu and her colleagues, including Gangbin Yan, a PME graduate student, tested how variation in olivine iron phosphate particles impacted their ability to selectively isolate lithium over sodium. “When you produce iron phosphate, you can get particles that are drastically different sizes and shapes,” explained Yan. “In order to figure out the best synthesis method, we need to know which of those particles are most efficient at selecting lithium over sodium.” They discovered when iron phosphate particles were too large or too small, they tend to let more sodium into the structures, which led to less pure extractions of lithium. The findings are vital to moving electrochemical lithium extraction toward commercial use. They suggest researchers should focus on not just producing olivine iron phosphate, but producing olivine iron phosphate at the ideal particle size. “We have to keep this desired particle size in mind as we pick synthesis methods to scale up,” Liu said. “But if we can do this, we think we can develop a method that reduces the environmental impact of lithium production and secures the lithium supply in this country.” The new findings could hasten an era of faster, greener lithium extraction. UChicago Ph.D. student and first author Gangbin Yan and Pritzker Molecular Engineering Assistant Professor Chong Liu. Photo by John Zich. ENV Mfg., Scree Atlan Inc. en & ntic E-mail: atlantic@ce Atlantic-Screen.c Manufactu 302-684-3197 Manholes j Clear PVC Pipe j Inline Chemical Mixers j ell Rehabilitation Produ jW e.net com urers 7 ucts Milton, DE 19968 142 Broadkill Rd ½” - 24 ranging f Perforated of Slotted Fax: 302-384-0643 more! MUCH And j Bailers Sampling j Locking Caps j Filter Sock j Bentonite j 4” from d Pipe dand 3 In Memoriam Jerry Don Johnson (1962~2024) Jerry Don Johnson, 62, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Delta, Utah, on August 7, 2024. Born in Santa Monica, California, he lived a life full of hard work and good times. All will remember Jerry as the type of person a person wants to be, and the type of friend a friend would like to have. He spent most of his adolescence in Winnemucca, Nevada, with his parents and sister Linda. Working from a very young age to help support his family during hard times established a standard of hard work Jerry lived up to for many years. He was employed in the drilling industry for the duration of his career, drilling various resources (methane, lithium, etc). He became an expert in the workings of the drilling industry while meeting some of his closest friends with whom he had continuous relationships. Enjoying all things outdoors, he camped and explored the natural world around him. Many camping trips took place near his home of several years in Wyoming, which created many of the best memories people have of Jerry. In recent years, he could likely be found riding around town on his four-wheeler (often with questionable attire). He spent the last years of his life in Delta, with his home base being at his daughter Debra’s house. Over these years, Jerry formed close relationships with his grandchildren, creating memories such as frequent four-wheeler rides, periodic chocolate milk breaks, and old western TV show/movie marathons. Jerry is survived by his children Loren (Dawn), Debra (Cody), Braden, and Swade; grandchildren Chloe, McCoy, Ashlynn, Hadley, and Dak; sister Linda; ex-wife Brenda; chosen family Bud and LaVada; and close friends Terry, KC, Cyndi, and “Mouse”; and his Yorkie best friend Minnie. Lest we forget . . .
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDk4Mzk=