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Related Concept Videos

Microbial Leaching01:27

Microbial Leaching

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Microbial leaching, also known as bioleaching, is an environmentally favorable method for extracting metals from low-grade ores using specific microorganisms. This biotechnological approach is particularly valuable for mining operations targeting copper, gold, and uranium, where traditional extraction methods may be economically or environmentally impractical.Copper Leaching and Microbial CatalysisIn copper bioleaching, crushed ore is arranged into heaps and irrigated with a dilute sulfuric...
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Hygroscopicity-driven spontaneous sustainable direct lithium extraction.

Hongxu Chen1,2, Meiqi Yang1,2, Sunxiang Zheng3

  • 1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.

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|March 18, 2026
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Summary

This study introduces a novel, spontaneous lithium extraction method using hygroscopicity-driven deliquescence of lithium chloride hydrate (LHT). This process significantly reduces energy, chemical, and water use for efficient lithium recovery from solid deposits.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Current lithium extraction methods are energy, chemical, and water-intensive due to non-spontaneous separation processes.
  • There is a critical need for sustainable and efficient lithium extraction techniques to meet growing demand.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a spontaneous, hygroscopicity-driven direct lithium extraction method.
  • To leverage the deliquescent behavior of lithium chloride hydrate (LHT) for lithium enrichment from solid deposits.
  • To minimize environmental impact by reducing energy, chemical, and freshwater consumption.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized controlled relative humidities (12-30% RH) to induce selective water adsorption by crystalline LHT.
  • Exploited phase-selective deliquescence for rapid solid-liquid separation without external water, reagents, or heating.
  • Optimized humidity and moisture flux for efficient lithium recovery and concentration.

Main Results:

  • Achieved rapid lithium recovery up to 96% with concentrations reaching 97,000 ppm.
  • Demonstrated selective lithium enrichment, leaving co-occurring salts in the solid phase.
  • Validated method robustness across various mixtures and actual mining slag samples under diverse conditions.

Conclusions:

  • The hygroscopicity-driven method offers a sustainable, low-impact alternative for lithium extraction.
  • This ambient-temperature, modular process minimizes resource consumption and enhances mining waste valorization.
  • The technique shows competitive performance and broad resource tolerance, with significantly reduced extraction times.