Feasibility of a wave-powered lithium extraction system

Abstract

Limited supply and rising demand in lithium-ion batteries due to growth in EVs, consumer electronics, and grid energy storage requires alternative sources of lithium (Li) to achieve our sustainability goals. The ocean has 5,000 times more Li than the world’s total land reserves, with elevated concentration levels found in several Li “hotspots”. A novel, coupled Li extraction and cathode material manufacturing process is a potential solution for our Li production needs that reduces time, environmental impact, resource demand, and costs associated with the Li-ion battery supply chain. The process still requires a substantial amount of energy to meet forecasted demand, and most Li hotspots are in remote locations without access to a grid-scale energy source. Integrating wave energy conversion (WEC) with the coupled Li production system has potential to be an emission-free, self-powered system that is deployable in virtually any favorable wave resource environment. This thesis investigated the feasibility of deploying a wave-powered Li extraction system by evaluating the integration of two reference model WEC devices with the coupled process at four selected Li hotspots. Preliminary results for the selected locations have shown that a single WEC can generate enough energy to extract 33,500 to 250,000 kgLi, producing 800,000 to 6,500,000 kg of LiMn2O4 (LMO) cathode active material at a cost of 4.01-9.00 $/kgLMO, substantially lower than the market price of 15 $/kgLMO.