MIT scientists unveil new method to extract lithium from hard rock at room temperature
SMRTR summary
MIT researchers have developed a room-temperature method to extract lithium from hard rock, cutting refining costs in half and nearly eliminating toxic waste. Inspired by glass-etching cream, the process dissolves silica first using ammonium fluoride, then separates lithium, alumina, and silica into sellable products. The solvent is fully recycled. A startup called Rock Zero is already scaling the technology, potentially breaking China's grip on global lithium processing.
SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to Interesting Engineering.
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