Lithium extraction adsorbent for dilute brines
This technology improves a class of mineral-like materials called lithium-aluminum layered double hydroxides (Li/Al-LDH) by incorporating polymers into their structure. The resulting composite material acts as a highly selective sponge for lithium ions, able to pull lithium out of very dilute sources such as brines, seawater, or geothermal fluids where conventional extraction methods struggle. The polymer modification improves the physical durability and chemical performance of the adsorbent, making it more practical for repeated use in industrial extraction cycles. The process can be done either during synthesis or as a post-processing step, giving manufacturers flexibility in production.
What you could build
A proprietary adsorbent material sold to lithium extraction companies or licensed to battery supply chain firms for use in direct lithium extraction (DLE) systems processing geothermal brines, produced water, or ocean water; primary buyers would be DLE technology developers and mining companies building next-generation lithium supply.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based energy and critical minerals firms, or federal contractors tied to DOE critical materials initiatives, would have direct interest; Virginia has emerging interest in critical mineral supply chain security.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Wencai Zhang, Yanan Pan
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed May 28, 2025
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20250367633A1
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.