3M's participation in direct lithium extraction, shaping the future of energy production
In a bid to address the looming lithium supply gap and support the global energy transition, 3M is playing a critical role in advancing Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology.
The American multinational conglomerate, renowned for its expertise in materials science, is leveraging its know-how to develop high-performance sorbents and nonwoven fabrics tailored for efficient lithium extraction from brines. This technological innovation is expected to unlock new lithium resources and alleviate supply constraints for the rapidly expanding battery market.
3M's particle-shaping capabilities are being utilised to engineer sorbents with optimised brine flow, durability, and selectivity, enabling efficient lithium ion separation. The company is also designing sorbent-laden nonwoven fabrics that increase brine contact and kinetic performance while reducing chemical usage, making them ideal for DLE applications.
Moreover, 3M's scalable global manufacturing allows for a swift transition from research to full deployment, aiding in the establishment of a robust U.S. DLE supply chain.
Mark Copman, the senior vice president of 3M New Growth Ventures, emphasises the importance of this advancement, stating that 3M's technologies are uniquely positioned to advance the commercialization of Direct Lithium Extraction.
The growing adoption of electric vehicles, utility-scale grid storage, and portable electronics is driving the demand for lithium-ion batteries. This demand is expected to increase nearly sevenfold from 2022 to 2030, with the world's demand for lithium-ion batteries reaching 3 million tons annually by 2030. However, current production of raw lithium is projected to fall short of this demand.
Traditional methods of lithium extraction, such as evaporation ponds, are facing challenges due to their slow process, high energy consumption, and significant environmental impact. DLE, on the other hand, offers a faster and more environmentally sustainable alternative, facilitating access to new lithium sources and thus enhancing the reliability and sustainability of lithium supply for the battery market.
Lithium is a key component in the global energy transition due to its high energy density. Many new lithium reserves are low-concentration brines or geothermal fluids, making DLE an increasingly viable solution to the challenges of lithium supply.
In conclusion, 3M's advancements in DLE technology are a significant step towards bridging the lithium supply gap and supporting the global energy transition. The company's innovative technologies are expected to contribute significantly to the battery market by enabling higher lithium recovery rates, faster cycle times, and reduced environmental impact.
The American multinational conglomerate, with its expertise in materials science, is using technology to develop sorbents and nonwoven fabrics for efficient lithium extraction, contributing to the advancement of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, which is a critical component in the global energy transition and battery market.
3M's technological innovations, such as optimized sorbents and sorbent-laden nonwoven fabrics, are expected to unlock new lithium resources, encourage the commercialization of DLE, and support the rapidly expanding battery market, all of which are direct applications of science and technology.
