Can a solar transpiration-powered lithium extraction and storage device extract and store lithium?

Inspired by nature’s ability to selectively extract species in transpiration, we report a solar transpiration–powered lithium extraction and storage (STLES) device that can extract and store lithium from brines using natural sunlight.

Can solar evaporation improve lithium extraction?

Compared to conventional lithium ore sources, seawater and continental brines contain significantly larger lithium reserves but require clean and cost-effective extraction methods. In this context, solar evaporation has recently emerged as a promising approach to enhance lithium extraction, attracting growing research interest.

Are solar-assisted lithium extraction methods effective?

In the context of solar-assisted lithium extraction processes, including traditional lithium extraction methods, numerous studies have quantified the treatment effectiveness by conducting experiments with Li + /Na + or Li + /Mg 2+ binary mixed solutions.

Can interfacial solar evaporation extract lithium from seawater?

Currently, interfacial solar evaporation has attained notable progress and demonstrated considerable potential in the extraction of lithium from both salt-lake brines and seawater.

Can a solar transpirational evaporator extract lithium from plants?

In a different approach, Song et al. used plants as an inspiration to create a solar transpirational evaporator that extracts, stores, and releases lithium powered by sunlight. —Jake S. Yeston and Marc S. Lavine Lithium mining is energy intensive and environmentally costly.

How is lithium extracted in solar-assisted spatial separation?

In solar-assisted spatial separation, lithium extraction is primarily achieved through differences in the concentration and solubility of salt ions, thus being less affected by pH values. However, due to the current methods being effective only for monovalent ions, divalent ions (Ca 2 ⁺, Mg 2 ⁺) can interfere with the evaporation process.