IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/rensus/v230y2026ics1364032126000031.html

Lithium mining 3.0: Towards a sustainable technology framework for transforming salt-lake brines into clean energy resources

Author

Listed:
  • Xi, Huijun
  • Yang, Zhendong
  • Liu, Zhenghua
  • Tang, Yang
  • Yang, Sheng
  • Liu, Juanjuan
  • Iwan, Mikolaj
  • Ibrahim, I.A.
  • Yin, Huaqun

Abstract

Lithium (Li) extraction from salt-lake brines has become a central route for sustaining the clean-energy transition because hard-rock mining incurs high energy and environmental costs, whereas recycling remains limited. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of direct Li extraction technologies, covering nanofiltration (NF), solvent extraction, adsorption based on lithium-aluminum layered double hydroxides (Li/Al-LDHs) and manganese or titanium ion sieves, electrodialysis (ED) and bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED), and capacitive deionization (CDI). Each technology is analyzed in relation to the characteristics of the brine, including magnesium to lithium ratio (MLR), salinity, and coexisting ion composition. The discussion highlights key technological advances such as the use of ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents, the development of ultrathin polyamide (PA) separation layers, and the incorporation of Li intercalation materials into CDI systems. Among these, CDI and adsorption currently provide the most practical solutions for high magnesium (Mg) brines, while solvent extraction and electrochemical routes show strong potential for lower specific energy consumption per unit of Li produced and more energy-efficient operation. Remaining challenges include validation using natural brines, integration of extraction and regeneration processes, and resource circularity through by-product utilization. By combining mechanistic insights with process level understanding, this review establishes a framework for supporting research and industrial practice toward a stable and environmentally responsible Li supply chain.

Suggested Citation

  • Xi, Huijun & Yang, Zhendong & Liu, Zhenghua & Tang, Yang & Yang, Sheng & Liu, Juanjuan & Iwan, Mikolaj & Ibrahim, I.A. & Yin, Huaqun, 2026. "Lithium mining 3.0: Towards a sustainable technology framework for transforming salt-lake brines into clean energy resources," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 230(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:230:y:2026:i:c:s1364032126000031
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2026.116704
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032126000031
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.rser.2026.116704?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to

    for a different version of it.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:230:y:2026:i:c:s1364032126000031. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    We have no bibliographic references for this item. You can help adding them by using this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/600126/description#description .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.