1. Use mechanochemistry to extract lithium at low temperatures, diversifying the supply chain.
2. MELLT process involves ball milling solid spodumene and reactant chemicals to create water-soluble lithium compounds.
3. MELLT streamlines hard-rock mineral extraction, uses less energy, and eliminates toxic waste, offering a more sustainable approach to lithium extraction.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames National Laboratory, led by the Critical Materials Innovation (CMI) Hub, is using mechanochemistry to extract lithium in a new process called MELLT. This innovative method uses mechanical forces instead of heat or electricity to initiate chemical reactions, resulting in water-soluble lithium compounds. This process aims to increase the diversification and supply of lithium in the United States, which is crucial for technologies like cell phones, medical devices, and electric vehicles.
Traditional methods of lithium extraction, such as brine evaporation and hard-rock mineral processing, have drawbacks like long production times, energy intensiveness, and toxic waste generation. In contrast, MELLT streamlines the extraction process, uses less energy, and eliminates harmful waste streams. This sustainable approach offers a way to reduce lithium criticality and support a more environmentally friendly future.
The development of MELLT is part of a larger collaborative effort by CMI involving multiple national laboratories, universities, and industry partners to improve lithium extraction technologies. The hub aims to address critical supply chain issues and provide innovative solutions for U.S. industries. Ames National Laboratory, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, plays a key role in advancing materials, technologies, and energy solutions to solve global challenges.