<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="false"><li>Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago have collaborated to develop a low-cost membrane technology for efficient lithium extraction from seawater and saltwater reserves.</li><li>The membrane utilizes vermiculite clay separated into ultrathin layers with microscopic aluminum oxide pillars for stability and selectivity.</li><li>By introducing sodium cations to create a positively charged surface, the membrane selectively captures lithium ions while repelling magnesium ions, improving purity and reducing extraction costs.</li><li>This membrane technology not only enhances lithium extraction but also has the potential for recovering other minerals like nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, as well as environmental applications in water treatment.</li></ul>

Argonne researchers develop low-cost membrane to extract lithium from water

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