Research Projects

The increasing demand for lithium as a key material for lithium-ion batteries and renewable energy technologies highlights the urgent need for efficient and sustainable lithium recovery methods. Conventional evaporative lithium extraction from brine is limited by high water consumption, long processing times (1-2 years), and applicability primarily to continental brine sources. As a result, industries are exploring rapid and sustainable lithium extraction/recovery methods from these sources with a focus on direct lithium extraction (DLE). In this project, electrobaromembrane technology for direct lithium extraction (DLE) will be demonstrated for the selective isolation of lithium ions from simulated brine and recycled sources (such as spent Li-ion batteries). As the electrobaromembrane (EBM) process utilizes electric field and pressure, simultaneously, the selective lithium recovery will be higher than the existing electrochemical techniques. The lab-scale electrobaromembrane system equipped with commercially available anion exchange membranes and non-selective porous membranes (commercial and Indigenous based on polyamide/ Poly(vinylidene fluoride))) will be developed and fundamental aspects will be studied. The research will involve investigating ion transport under simultaneous electric and pressure fields and developing a theoretical model for ion flux. Further, current-voltage (I-V) characteristics for electrobaromebrane systems will be analyzed, which indicates the novelty of the studies. Understanding I-V characteristics is crucial for improving the design, operation, and efficiency of electrobaromembrane processes, particularly in optimizing ion transport, minimizing fouling, and ensuring the sustainable performance of membrane systems. Key experiments will measure separation efficiency, permselectivity, fouling rates, and operational lifespan across varied pressures, flow rates and concentrations. The energy required for the developed lab-scale EBM system will be calculated for solutions with varying lithium concentrations. This project aims to improve both efficiency and scientific understanding of ion transport in electrobaromembrane (EBM) systems. The outcomes could help Indian companies develop local lithium extraction methods, advance the technology, and contribute to the growth of renewable energy solutions, which is crucial for addressing climate change.