The NF technology, named FilmTec™ LiNE-XD nanofiltration elements, aims to remove impurities while maximizing lithium recovery. It will be tested in the next phase of CleanTech Lithium’s post-DLE pilot plant operations. The process follows the eluate concentration stage, which uses industrial forward osmosis (iFO™) to concentrate lithium and reduce boron content. CleanTech Lithium is exploring these technologies to potentially eliminate the need for thermal evaporation and crystallization in producing battery-grade lithium carbonate, which could lead to significant cost savings.
Ignacio Mehech, CEO of CleanTech Lithium, stated: “Our collaboration on testing a new NF membrane developed by DuPont for high selectivity in removing impurities while maximizing lithium recovery, is in line with CleanTech Lithium’s mission to deliver efficient and sustainable lithium extraction. By leveraging advanced membrane technology, we aim to test if battery-grade lithium carbonate can be produced without the need for thermal evaporation and crystallization, resulting in potential cost savings and increased efficiency.”
The partnership aligns with CleanTech Lithium’s commitment to sustainable and efficient lithium production methods. By integrating DuPont’s specialized NF membrane, the company seeks to enhance the purity and yield of lithium extracted from its Chilean operations. The upcoming pilot plant tests, conducted with partner Conductive Energy, will validate the technology’s effectiveness in streamlining the production process.
This collaboration represents a step toward more cost-effective and environmentally friendly lithium extraction, supporting the growing demand for battery-grade materials in the global electric vehicle and energy storage markets. CleanTech Lithium and DuPont aim to demonstrate that advanced membrane technology can reduce reliance on traditional, energy-intensive processes, paving the way for innovative solutions in the lithium industry.
