In the United States, scientists have developed a cost-effective method for extracting lithium from seawater. This method is being hailed as a sustainable approach.
Due to the growing popularity of electric vehicles in recent years, global demand for lithium has surged.
The production of this metal, which was 500,000 metric tons in 2021, could rise to 4 million metric tons by 2030.
Traditionally, lithium is extracted from rocks, a process that is costly, energy-intensive, and requires the use of toxic chemicals.
Recently, miners have been extracting lithium from salt lake brine by evaporating the water, but this method is also expensive and environmentally damaging.
Furthermore, the availability of salt lakes depends on specific climatic conditions.
Researchers claim that the new method for extracting lithium from saline water is 40% less expensive compared to current methods.