Analysis of Geothermal Brine Chemistry for Global Lithium Resource Evaluation
Faculty Mentor Name
Mary Kay Camarillo
Research or Creativity Area
Engineering & Computer Science
Abstract
The growing global demand for lithium, skyrocketing due to the increasing use of rechargeable batteries for electronic vehicles and electronics, has intensified the search for alternative, sustainable sources. Geothermal brines offer a potential opportunity since the extraction process can be coupled with renewable energy production. The presence of different chemical elements in these brines poses complications that must be considered when optimizing resource extraction and reducing environmental impacts. Analysis of geothermal brine chemistry can be done to evaluate the applicability of alternative lithium extraction technologies and potential interferences from elements other than lithium.
In this study, Python was used to compile and analyze datasets of geothermal brine chemistry from global resources. To facilitate comparisons across studies, key parameters such as total dissolved solids (TDS) and major ion concentrations were standardized. The analysis was centered around identifying dominant ions, trace elements, and citing trends in brine composition as a function of lithium content.
Interferences can occur within direct lithium extraction (DLE) methods due to dissolved elements such as sodium, calcium, magnesium, and silica which are present in high concentrations in brines. Significant differences have been discovered in chemical composition between regions, influencing both lithium availability and extraction efficiency. This research provides a dataset of brine chemistry that can be evaluated to identify challenges in providing lithium from global brine resources, eventually promoting more effective and ecologically responsible extraction techniques.
Analysis of Geothermal Brine Chemistry for Global Lithium Resource Evaluation
The growing global demand for lithium, skyrocketing due to the increasing use of rechargeable batteries for electronic vehicles and electronics, has intensified the search for alternative, sustainable sources. Geothermal brines offer a potential opportunity since the extraction process can be coupled with renewable energy production. The presence of different chemical elements in these brines poses complications that must be considered when optimizing resource extraction and reducing environmental impacts. Analysis of geothermal brine chemistry can be done to evaluate the applicability of alternative lithium extraction technologies and potential interferences from elements other than lithium.
In this study, Python was used to compile and analyze datasets of geothermal brine chemistry from global resources. To facilitate comparisons across studies, key parameters such as total dissolved solids (TDS) and major ion concentrations were standardized. The analysis was centered around identifying dominant ions, trace elements, and citing trends in brine composition as a function of lithium content.
Interferences can occur within direct lithium extraction (DLE) methods due to dissolved elements such as sodium, calcium, magnesium, and silica which are present in high concentrations in brines. Significant differences have been discovered in chemical composition between regions, influencing both lithium availability and extraction efficiency. This research provides a dataset of brine chemistry that can be evaluated to identify challenges in providing lithium from global brine resources, eventually promoting more effective and ecologically responsible extraction techniques.
