Recent advances in lithium extraction from brine via solar-driven interfacial evaporation: Advanced strategies and challenges

Abstract

In the framework of the green transition, the rising demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies has substantially increased the need for efficient lithium extraction methods. Traditional lithium extraction methods from natural or synthetic brine are generally faced with challenges, such as high energy consumption and low efficiency, making it difficult to meet the demands for sustainable resource development. Solar interfacial evaporation technology has demonstrated substantial potential in lithium extraction due to its solar-driven process, efficient localized thermal management, and micro-interface regulation characteristics. In this review, the main methods of extracting lithium from brine and the latest progress and existing problems of lithium extraction by solar interfacial evaporation are reviewed, including coupling mechanisms between photothermal evaporation and lithium ion transport. In particular, design strategies of high-performance photothermal substrate and lithium selective functional layer, as well as the optimization path of anti-pollution and long-term stability are discussed. Furthermore, the advantages of multilayer device configurations and the optimization of three-dimensional evaporators in improving lithium extraction efficiency are analyzed. Finally, opportunities for future developments and challenges in this emerging research field are presented.

Keywords: Lithium extraction; Solar interfacial evaporation; Sustainable resource recovery; System design.