CMI researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight
Innovation
Six CMI inventions developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are licensed to Element3 to selectively extract lithium from oil- and gas-produced water.
Achievement
Element3 extracted more than 90% of the lithium from the feed in less than half an hour at a flow rate exceeding 25 gallons per minute using a three-step extractor, as shown in the figure at the bottom. The concentrated lithium chloride is subsequently converted to lithium carbonate at the plan in Midland, Texas.
Significance and Impact
- The Element3 facility in Midland, Texas, has demonstrated a lithium carbonate production capacity of 3,000 tons per year.
- A domestic lithium supply could play a critical role in supporting the U.S. economy and national security by addressing the projected rapid growth of the lithium battery market through 2030.
Hub Targets Addressed
Win industry adoption of a technology for the source-diversification of lithium.
