News & Highlights
![Flow diagram showing the industry standard processes and the MELLT approach for Li-extraction from α-spodumene](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-05/cmi-highlight-509.png?itok=9vyo-UfO)
Mechanochemical extraction of lithium at low temperature (MELLT) from α-spodumenes
![image of five metal balls in a cup with powder: Ball milling chamber contents: spodumene, reactant, and steel balls.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-05/ball%20milling_0.png?itok=7NWLsKb8)
Green Car Congress: CMI Hub researchers develop mechanochemical process for efficient extraction of lithium: MELLT
![image of two people wearing laboratory coats: Ihor Hlova (back) and Tyler Del Rose (front) placing the ball milling chamber into the machine for processing.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-05/Hlova%20and%20Del%20Rose_0.png?itok=_Qc9EnKi)
Interesting Engineering: New mechanochemical process revolutionizes lithium extraction
![image of two people wearing laboratory coats: Ihor Hlova (back) and Tyler Del Rose (front) placing the ball milling chamber into the machine for processing.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-05/Hlova%20and%20Del%20Rose_1.png?itok=V1tRL2IK)
AZO Materials: Using mechanochemistry to revolutionize lithium extraction
![image of five metal balls in a cup with powder: Ball milling chamber contents: spodumene, reactant, and steel balls.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-05/ball%20milling.png?itok=bSGyfdIq)
CleanTechnica: Scientists are shaking up lithium extraction with a different kind of chemistry
In the United States, brines are the primary source for lithium extraction. However, their long lead times and low lithium extraction yields limit their ability to meet the recent surge in demand. To ensure supply chain sustainability, it is crucial that new hard rock assets, namely spodumenes, are utilized. The major barrier to the implementation of lithium extraction from hard-rock minerals is the significant energy consumption and hazardous waste generation associated with the current industrial methods. To address these challenges, this project will employ mechanochemical reaction that bypasses the most energy demanding step while simultaneously reducing the overall chemical waste.